LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






Shelf.J.B.5. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



AN ARCHER WITH 
COLUMBUS 



BY 



CHARLES E. BRIMBLECOM 



ILLUSTRATED 



BOSTON 

JOSEPH KNIGHT COMPANY 

1894 



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■}Qll/Lf V/ 



Copyright, 1893 

BY 

Joseph Knight Company 



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BOSTON 




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Page 


I. 


The World is Rorxi) 


1 


11. 


Fei-ix mins the Ckossbow 


21 


III. 


A EOYAL MESSEN(;i:ii 


42 


IV. 


The Monk's (iiiosr . 


62 


V. 


The PuRsi it .... 


81 


vr. 


The Sailing of the Fleet . 


. 106 


VII. 


The Xew World 


. 128 


VIII. 


The Ketlrx to Si-aix 


. 159 



CHAPTER I. 

THE WORLD IS ROUND. 

One fine afternoon in the autumn of 1491, 
Ignacio Diaz, a tailor of the seaport town 
of Palos, was seated upon his table busily 
at work on a new cassock evidently in- 
tended for a priest or monk. 

Diaz was a short, obese man with a 
round, red face. He was ignorant and 
avaricious, servile to his superiors and 
tyrannical to those beneath him. One of 
the chief victims of his petty tyranny 
was his apprentice, Felix Madrigal, a 
friendless orphan boy, whose unwilling 
drudgery was repaid with scanty fare and 
abundant blows. 

Yet Ignacio Diaz considered himself a 
person of consequence ; and after the events 
related in this story, his self-importance 
increased gi-eatly, and for the rest of his 
life he boasted of the part he had taken 
in one of the grandest achievements in 
the history of mankind. 

On that pleasant afternoon there was 



AN ARCHER AVITH COLUMBUS. 




a stranger seated in the little 
shop, — a man of dark com- 
plexion, with sharp, black eyes. His doublet 
was of green velvet, and he wore a long 
cloak of fine cloth. A broad hat with a 
plume shaded his face and a sword was 
buckled at his side. 

After listening to the tailor's gossip for 
a while, the visitor suddenly asked, — 

' ' Hast thou seen many strangers in thy 
town of late ? " 



THE WORLD 18 ROUND. 3 

"Strangers!" cried the tailor. "No, 
Senor, we see few strangers here. If you 
wish to see hfe, and busthng scenes, and 
magnificent costumes, — some of which I 
made myself, Senoi*, — you should go to 
Granada, where our mighty sovereigns, 
Ferdinand and Isabella, are besieging the 
infidel Moors. Heaven grant them success ! 
No doubt you have seen service, Senor? " 

To this question, which seemed to ask 
more than the mere words implied, the 
stranger replied shortly, — 

' ' True I there is no doubt of it. What 
art thou staring at me for ? '' 

This rude question was addressed to Fe- 
lix Madrigal, the apprentice, who was neg- 
lecting his work and listening open-mouthed 
to the conversation. 

"Sirrah!" cried the tailor to Felix, 
"have I not reproved thee a thousand 
times for thy impertinent curiosity ? At- 
tend to thy work, or — " And after fixing 
what was intended to be an awe-inspiring 
look upon the boy for the space of a minute, 
he slowly withdrew his eyes and again 
turned to the cavalier. 



4 AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' I venture to suppose that you are con- 
nected with the custom-house," he said, in 
a wheedUng tone. ' 'An inspector, perhaps. 
Is it not so ? '' 

"Suppose whatever pleases thee," an- 
swered the stranger, coolly. " Here, boy," 
he continued, tossing a coin to Felix, ' ' thou 
wast reproved unjustly." 

The tailor's red face grew redder at this 
rebuke. He folded up the cassock, which 
he had just finished, and said to Felix, 
harshly, — 

' ' Here, jackanapes, take this cassock to 
Father Juan Perez at the convent of La 
Rabida, and bring back with thee his old 
one, which he wishes repaired. Hasten 
back. If thou delayest on the road, the 
yardstick shall dance o'er thy shoulders." 

Felix sprang from his table at once, and 
having bound his ragged sash about his 
waist, and donned his little Andalusian 
hat, he took the bundle and gladly set out 
upon the sandy road leading to the convent, 
which he could see on a hill about a mile 
away. 

The landscape was fresh and beautiful. 



THE WORLD IS ROUND. 5 

The northwest wind had brought welcome 
clouds from the distant mountains, and 




abundant 
rains had re- 
freshed the 
thirsty soil. 
The broad 
vineyards, and orchards 
ot figs and olives, seemed to 
smile and rejoice in the pure, delicious air. 
Far to the south and west shone the blue 
waters of the sea. 

As Felix climbed the hill, he saw a caravel 
entering the mouth of the Tinto, and watched 
it as it glided up the river like a white 
swan. He recognized it as the Pinta, one 
of the fastest vessels on the coast, belong- 
ing to Senor Gomez Rascon of Palos. 

He sat down on a rock by the wayside 
and gazed with intense enjoyment on the 



6 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

scene ; but suddenly remembering the 
threat of his master, he sprang up and 
hastened on. 

As he approached the convent of La 
Eabida, he saw a group of three persons at 
the gate. One was the porter, Lorenzo 
Tortosa, whom he knew well. Tortosa had 
been a crossbow man in the army of Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella ; but having been severely 
wounded at the siege of Malaga, four years 
before, he had left the service and obtained 
a position as porter at the convent. 

A tall man of noble and commanding 
appearance was addressing Tortosa. His 
snow-white hair and the deep lines of his 
face told of age and sorrow. In his hand 
he carried a large roll covered with a 
woolen cloth. 

Beside him stood a pale, handsome boy 
of about the same age as Felix. The 
strangers seemed tired, and their clothing 
was worn and soiled with travel. 

Felix stopped near the group and stared 
at them with curiosity. The porter seemed 
surprised, and the strange man repeated 
the request he had just made, — 



THE WORLD IS ROUND. 



"My son is hungry and thirsty. Can 
you give him a httle bread and water to 
enable him to finish our journey?" 

"Yes, Seiloi-," repKed the porter, very 
respectfully, "I was not sure I understood 
you." 

At that 
moment a 
clear, authori- 
tative voice 
called from 
the interior 
courtyard,— 

"Who 
is there, 
Tortosa ?" 
The con- 
siderate por- 
ter, after 
asking the strangers to excuse him for a 
moment, re-entered the gate to give his 
answer in a low tone. 

Immediately Father Juan Perez, the Su- 
perior of the convent, appeared at the gate, 
and after courteously saluting the strange 
gentleman, invited him to enter. 




AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



He accepted the kind invitation of the 
priest, and passed through the gate, leading 
his boy by the hand. A fine young blood- 
hound, with black niouth and 
pendent ears, started up from 
the shadow of the wall and 
followed them. 

Tortosa uttered a cry 
of alarm, and started 
-v^,^ forward to in- 
yi tercept him, but 
almost tumbled 
backward as the 
dog paused with 
a slight growl. 
" Reverend Father ! " cried Tortosa, " it 
is a dog I He may run mad at any mo- 
ment. Will not the gentleman make him 
go out '? '' 

" He is mine," said the strange boy,, 
putting his arms about the dog's neck. 
"He will not harm any one unless I tell 
him to. Please let him come with me." 

' ' Let the dog alone, Tortosa, " replied Juan 
Perez, smiling. ' ' Thou fearest a harmless 
animal more than a thousand fierce Moors." 




THE WORLD IS ROUND. 9 

The porter fell back uneasily and crossed 
himself, and the party went on. 

Felix followed them as they traversed 
the cloisters and skirted the luxuriant gar- 
den of the convent. Here Juan Perez said 
to the boy, — 

"Remain in the garden if you wish, my 
child, and one of the brothers will bring 
you refreshment." Then he passed into 
the building, followed by the gentleman. 

The boy sat down on a bench under a fig- 
tree near the fountain ; and presently a monk 
brought him bread and meat, and told him 
to pluck the purple figs above his head. He 
ate the food slowly and thoughtfully, shar- 
ing it with his dog. 

After watching the young stranger for a 
little while, Felix slowly approached and 
spoke to him, — 

"• Good morning, Sefior." 

' ' How do you do, cahaUero f " responded 
the boy, in a low, pleasant voice. Felix 
was deeply astonished at receiving that 
distinguished title from the young stranger. 
Cavalier — gentleman ! A feeling unknown 
before suddenly arose within him. Up to 



10 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

that moment he had regarded himself as an 
inferior being, a mere drudge and slave ; 
but on being addressed by that courteous 
title, self-respect hitherto crushed down 
sprang up in his heart like a beautiful flower. 
Henceforth a new ambition was to inspire 
him. One kindly word turned 
him toward heroic heights. 
' ' Sit here beside me, " continued 
the boy, smiling, ' ' and let us 
talk together." And when 
Felix was seated, he asked, 
' ' What is your name ? " 
' ' Felix Madrigal. What is yours ? " 
" Diego Columbus," replied the boy. 
' ' Where do you live ? " 
"We have no home," answered Diego 
calmly. ' ' We came from Seville to this 
place." 

"Is that your father that came with 
you ? " 

' ' Yes. My father is a sea captain. " 
' ' Did you walk all the way from Se- 
ville ? " 

' ' Yes, and it was beautiful in the morn- 
ings and evenings. My father tells me 




THE WORLD IS ROUND. H 

wonderful tales as we go along, so that I 
hardly ever feel tired." 

"Why didn't you ride on mules ? " 
"We had but httle money." 
' ' Doesn't your father own a ship ? " 
"No. He has for a long time been en- 
gaged in greater affairs. He has been 
entreating the king and queen to give him 
ships in which he will sail across the ocean 
to the west until he reaches the Indies." 

Felix looked puzzled. He had often 
heard the sailors of Palos speak of the 
Indies. He had also heard many tales of 
the terrible imknown ocean in the west. 
" But the Indies are in the east," he cried. 
"You can get there by saihng to the 
west, too. My father says so." 

"Why, that's impossible," returned Fe- 
Hx, astonished. "That is the sea of dark- 
ness and dragons, and beyond is the end 
of the world. That's what all the sailors 
say." 

"Oh, no. The world is round, and has 
no end, and— Oh, what a big cat ! look at 
him ! look at him ! " 

A huge black cat was standing in the 



12 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

garden walk, arching his back and uttering 
low growls at sight of the dog. The blood- 
hound, unused to such defiance, suddenly 
[v^>f:r~°^ ~1S darted forward in 

r'~ \ ^^•■'^^^-^ "Oh, stop him!" 
> ->:^a#is'>7 cried Felix, in a tone 
*"''?/» ^ of fright. 

^y " Here, Perrito ! Perrito I 
back, back ! " shouted Diego, springing up 
and running down the walk. But the cat 
had swiftly mounted the low wall of the 
garden, where he remained bristling and 
growling, and Perrito came back to his 
young master, who sharply rebuked him. 

"Ah, little rogue," said Diego, as he re- 
turned, "thou must not . ^.T"^ 
touch the cat, or we ' / k'mII^-^ 
shall banish thee. " '> widm^ ' "^W 

"It is lucky that ^ Wilf^^~^ 

Father Juan Perez did Jr^ 

not see your dog chase his V ^ i cat, '' 
said Felix. "He values that '^ \ beast 
more than anything else in the world, they 
say. He woidd have killed the dog, I 
dare say, and thrown you out of his gates." 



THE WORLD IS ROUND. 13 

" Then I will be very careful after this," 
said Diego, looking a little alarmed. 

"What — what did you say about the 
world ?" asked Fehx, with some hesitation. 
' ' Oh, I said the world is round like a ball. 
— Lie down, Perrito." 
"Round!" 

' ' Yes, my father has studied it and 

knows all about it. These are delicious figs. " 

" Is it possible!" cried Felix, amazed. 

" But how do the people on the under side 

stay on ? " 

"There is no under side. The world 
seems the same to them that it does to us." 
"Astonishing! And are the king and 
queen going to give your father ships ? " 

' ' No, he has waited seven years ; but 
their Highnesses are forever fighting the 
Moors, and cannot listen to us. Now, we 
are going to France to ask the French king 
to help us. If he refuses, we will go to the 
king of England, who wrote to my father 
and invited him to come. I read the letter 
myself." 

"What! can you read?" asked Felix, 
with deep respect. 



14 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

" Yes, of course. Can you not read ? " 

" N-o-o-o ! " exclaimed Felix, as if Diego 
had asked him if he could fly. " How wise 
you must be. Ah, how I wish I could 
learn to read ! " 

" You ca7i learn," replied Diego. 

"Impossible ! " said Felix gloomily. 

While Diego was giving his companion 
more astonishing information about the 
world, Father Juan Perez appeared in the 
cloister and called to Felix. 

*'0h, bodkins !" cried that youth in dis- 
may, "I forgot all about my errand. My 
master will be in a dreadful passion when I 
get back. The yardstick will dance over 
my back just as lively as it used to when 
the world was flat. But I will stuff my 
jacket with dry grass." With these words 
he seized his bundle and hurried to where 
the Superior stood in the cloister. 

"Reverend Father," he said, "here is 
your new cassock which Ignacio Diaz has 
sent to you." 

" Very well," replied the priest. " Now, 
listen to me and carefully obey my direc- 
tions. When you return to Palos, go at 



THE WOKLD LS ROUND. 



15 



once to the house of the physician, Garcia 
Fernandez. Give him my comphments, 
and say that I request him to come to La 
Rabida at an early hour to-morrow, on 
business of the highest importance. Here 
is a letter for him which will explain it. 
Be careful and give it to no one but the 
doctor himself. Do you understand ? " 
"Yes, Father." 

"Very well. Go now, for you should 
not vex your master by idle delay." 

As Fehx passed the porter's lodge, he 
saw Tortosa sitting with his crossbow in 
his hands. The old sol- 
dier called to him, — 

"Does that dog seem 
quiet yet, Felix?" 

"He has just chased 
the Superior's cat 
upon the wall," replied 
Fehx, a little mischie- 
vously. 

" Ah-h !" gasped Tortosa. Then he con- 
tinued eagerly, "But if he should hurt 
the cat, Father Juan Perez would hang 
him without mercy." 




16 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



"What are you doing with your cross- 
bow ? " asked Fehx. 

' ' My trusty weapon shall not leave my 
hand till that dangerous beast has gone," 
groaned the soldier. 

"Oh, Tortosa," cried Felix, suddenly, 

" did you know that the world is round ? " 

For a few moments the soldier gazed at 

the boy with silent terror. Then he roared, 

as he stretched out his hand for an arrow, — 

"Hast thou 
been playing 
with the dog ? 
Art thou in- 
fected with 
madness? Be- 
gone ! " And 
Felix, who 
knew the old 
archer's ex- 
treme fear of mad dogs, fled at once, with- 
out waiting for any further discussion of 
geographical problems. 

When Felix reached Palos, he hastened 
,to execute the priest's commission, and 
then returned to the shop. His gloomy 




THE WORLD IS ROUND. 17 

expectations iu regard to the yardstick 
were almost forgotten in the remembrance 
of the strange boy who had so coolly an- 
nounced such astonishing things. 

When he entered, he saw that the dis- 
dainful cavalier was still there. But his 
attention was immediately drawn tolgnacio 
Diaz, whose face wore a look of dread- 
ful meaning, and whose fat hand was 
already reaching for the well-worn stick. 

"So you have been idling again," cried 
the tailor. "And where is the old cassock? 
Where is it, stupid? Answer me!" 

"I — I — forgot to ask for it, " stammered 
Felix; "but — " 

' ' No more ; 'tis sufficient. Pardon me, 
Sefior, that I am obliged to correct an idle, 
disobedient scamp in your presence." 

' ' Oh, proceed with the punishment ; do 
not hesitate on my account," replied the 
cavalier, with his unpleasant laugh. 

The yardstick was already executing cir- 
cles in the air, when Felix cried out desper- 
ately, — 

' ' But hear me speak, master, and you, 
too, Sefior Caballero. The world is round ! " 



IS 



AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



The tailor dropped his stick and stepped 
back, with a look of fright on his face. 
" Little heretic ! " he gasped. 
But the effect produced on the strange 
cavalier by the boy's announcement was 
very singular. He sprang out of the rude 
chair with such violence that a long rent 
appeared in his cloak. Ignoring that acci- 
dent, he caught Felix by both 
\^J arms and shook him till his teeth 
rattled. 

' ' Where did you learn 
that ? Speak ! " he cried 
sternly, and shook the 
frightened boy again. 

' ' At the convent, — at 
La Rabida," cried Felix, 
while the tailor looked 
on in astonishment. 

"Who told you? An- 
swer ! " 

"A boy, a stranger. He and his father 
came there. The boy said his father knew 
everything." 

" What was his name ? Quick ! " 
" His name was Co — Col — " 




THE WORLD 18 ROUND. 19 

" Coluinbiis ."' cried the cavalier. 

"Yes, Senor." 

" Zooks !" cried the tailor. "Your Co- 
Col — what-d'ye-call-him, must be out of his 
senses. Was he a sick man, blockhead ? " 

"No," replied Fehx. Then his counte- 
nance fell as he continued, "But Father 
Juan Perez told me to tell the doctor, Gar- 
cia Fernandez, to come out to the convent." 

"Exactly. I told you so," cried the 
tailor with complacency. 

"When is he going out?" asked the 
stranger, tightening his grip again. 

"To-morrow morning." 

"Good." 

The cavalier gave Felix a rude push. 
Then he said calmly, — 

' ' Ah, I have torn my cloak. Here, boy, 
mend it for me, and I will give thee a 
ducat." 

He flung the garment to Felix, who at 
once mounted his table and threaded his 
needle. 

He took up the cloak, which was of costly 
cloth and scented with a peculiar and agree- 
able perfume. 



20 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

When the rent was neatly mended, the 
cavaher threw the cloak over his shoulders 
and carelessly tossed to Felix two ducats. 

' ' There is another for the fright I caused 
thee," he said, and left the shop without 
further words. 

When he had gone, Ignacio Diaz pounced 
upon his apprentice and took possession of 
the ducats. 

"He gave them to me," protested Felix. 

' ' To thee, small animal ! What need 
hast thou for ducats ? Be thankful that I do 
not take down the yardstick again. Here, 
sew up these doublet seams. In the morn- 
ing, when thou hast finished them, go to La 
Eabida and get the old cassock. Forget it 
again and I will flay thee. But, hark thee, 
while there learn what thou canst of this 
crazy stranger." 

Felix could hardly close his eyes that 
night. He was thinking of his amiable new 
acquaintance, Diego Columbus, who had 
called him cahallero. He longed for the 
morning, when he could finish his seams 
and hasten to the convent. 



CHAPTER II. 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 

Early the next morning, Felix sprang 
from his bed and began his usual task of 
sweeping the shop. Hitherto he had been 
a great sluggard. Often had the angry 
tailor awakened him in a very 
sudden and painful manner. 
He had lived like a young 
animal, without ambition oi- 
thought for the future. But 
now a grand idea was ger- 
minating in his mind. 

" What miracle has been 
wrought in thee ? " cried 
Ignacio Diaz, when he en- 
tered the shop and saw the 
place clean and in order, and Felix already 
at work. But he continued, with a frown, 
''Don't think thou canst hide anything 
from me. I see thou art planning t(j ask 
for a holiday." 

A little later in the morning the physi- 
cian, Garcia Fernandez, emerged from his 




22 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

house, and was about to mount his mule 
and set out for the convent, when a cavaher 
in a cloak and green doublet approached 
and saluted him. 

" Senor Fernandez," he said, " do not be 
surprised that I know your destination this 
morning. I learned it by a happy accident. 
You are about to visit one of the most 
learned men of this age, Senor Columbus, 
who has not yet received the distinction he 
merits. Though I am not personally ac- 
quainted with him, I have heard of his sub- 
lime projects, and I ask, as a great favor, 
that you permit me to accompany you to the 
convent of La Eabida, that I may meet the 
man for whom I have a great admira- 
tion. My name is Don Juan Vascona. " 

"I do not know you," replied the phy- 
sician bluntly ; ' ' but you seem to know 
more of this Columbus than I know. You 
may go with me to La Eabida if you wish. 
Seilor Columbus will please himself about 
receiving you. Have you a mule ? " 

' ' I thank you, Senor. My horse is wait- 
ing in the next street." 

In a few moments the cavalier returned, 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 



23 



mounted on a fine black horse, and he and the 
physician set out together for the convent. 

Leaving their animals at the gate, they 
were admitted by Tortosa, who saluted Senor 
Fernandez with 
respectful famil- 
iarity. 

" Where is 
Father Juan 
Perez?" asked 
the physician. 

' ' I think he is 
with the strange 
man who came 
yesterday, 
Senor," replied 
Tortosa. ' ' I sus- 
pect you are wanted, Doc- 
tor," he continued, tap- 
ping his head mysteriously. ' ' The brothers 
have been telling me queer tales about him. 
They say the poor man thinks that the 
world is round like an orange ! " 

The physician burst into a loud laugh. 
Bending forward, he said to the porter in 
an impressive whisper, — 




24 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' And what if the world is round ? " 

"Santa Maria! You are fond of jok- 
ing, Senor," muttered Tortosa, crossing 
himself. Suddenly he retreated into his 
lodge, as he saw Diego and his dog ap- 
proaching. 

"Pass on, Senores," he said. "There is 
the poor man's son. He will conduct you 
to his father. May the saints hasten his 
recovery.'' 

The doctor laughed again, and crossed the 
courtyard to meet Diego, followed by Vas- 
cofia. 

" Good morning, my boy," said the phy- 
sician. ' ' Will you conduct us to your 
father, Senor Columbus ? " 

"Yes, Seiior," replied Diego, promptly 
wheeling about to lead the way. As Fer- 
nandez followed him through the cloister, 
he heard Vascona call out, — 

"Hold, Seflor, bid the boy call off this 
beastly dog." 

Looking back, they saw the bloodhound 
planted in Vascona's path, bristling, and 
uttering lo"w growls whenever the cavalier 
tried to advance. 



FELIX AVINS THE CROSSBOW. 



25 



' ' Perrito ! What are you about ? Come 
here ! " called Diego, stampmg his foot. 

The dog, after casting several wistful 
glances from his master to Vascofia, turned 
and trotted back to Diego, wagging his tail 

\ 







solemnly, as if to say, I have done my duty. 
I now leave the responsibility with you. 

In a few moments Diego ushered the two 
gentlemen into a large apartment opening 
off the cloister. A heavy table stood in the 
centre of the room, and at this table were 



26 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

seated four men earnestly poring over a 
number of maps and charts. One was 
Father Juan Perez, pale and scholarly. 
Another, with powerful figure and bronzed 
features, was Martin Alouzo Pinzon, the 
wealthy and enterprising sea captain of 
Palos. The third, able, intelligent, and 
alert, was Sebastian Rodriguez, the cele- 
brated pilot. The fourth was Christopher 
Columbus. With his noble white head and 
commanding form, he was the most strik- 
ing figure of the group. His gray eyes 
were flashing with enthusiasm as he un- 
folded his plans to his auditors. 

The physician's entrance was hailed with 
joy, for his scientific attainments had 
placed him high in the estimation of his 
friends. But they all gazed at Vascona 
with surprise and questioning looks. 

The cavalier, observing this, at once 
introduced himself, and addressed Colum- 
bus with fervid and artful eloquence, 
affirming the deep interest he had always 
taken in nautical science, and his in- 
tense desire to meet the learned Columbus, 
of whom he had heard so much. This, 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 27 

he said, must be his excuse for intrud- 
ing upon them, but he trusted they 
would kindly permit him to join in a dis- 
cussion which interested him so deeply. 

^ "Senor," replied Columbus, with a gra- 
cious and benignant smile, "I rejoice to 
meet one who loves science, and who de- 
sires further knowledge. There is nothing 
here which we wish to conceal from honest 
men. Join our circle, if you wish, and freely 
discuss these great problems with us. " 

Fernandez and Vascona took seats at the 
table, and Columbus proceeded to explain 
his sublime theories of our world, the 
greatness of which even he never fully 
comprehended. 

In the midst of the discussion, Vascona 
rose and approached Columbus in order 
better to see a chart which the latter was 
explaining. When he resumed his seat, he 
observed that Columbus had suddenly be- 
come silent and was regarding him with a 
grave and searching look. As the company 
noted this with surprise, Columbus spoke,— 
" Seilor Vascona, I beg that you will not 
be offended, nor take it as a reflection on 



28 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

yourself ; but I must request that you with- 
draw from this council." 

" How, Senor! " cried Vascoiia, springing 
up, "this is an insult." 

"No, do not regard it so," returned Co- 
lumbus calmly and gravely. " But I re- 
main firm in my demand. If you refuse, 
then this discussion must end." 

The cavalier was very angry, and furious 
words seemed about to burst from his lips ; 
but, restraining himself with a great effort, 
he said, — 

' ' This is singular usage, and I would be 
justified in demanding satisfaction ; but I 
will comply with your capricious request." 

Taking his broad hat, he stepped to the 
door. 

"Seiior," said Father Juan Perez, who 
felt sorry for the cavalier, ' ' the convent is 
yours. Pray repose yourself in the garden, 
and join us at dinner." 

"Thanks, I shall return to Palos," re- 
plied Vascona haughtily, as he left the 
room. 

" Senores," said Columbus, after a pause, 
''my treatment of the young gentleman 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 29 

may have seemed capricious. Neverthe- 
less, I had a reason for it. I think you are 
all aware of the intense jealousy with 
which the king of Portugal regarded my 
application to the Court of Spain, and of 
his endeavors to have me return to him. 
He has spies at the Spanish Court who 
keep him well informed of what passes 
there. When this young cavalier ap- 
proached me to look at the map, I detected 
a perfume about his dress which is much 
used by the dandies of the Portuguese 
Court. My suspicions were aroused, and 
I deemed it best to exclude a possible emis- 
sary of Portugal from our conference." 

The others expressed their surprise and 
satisfaction, and the discussion was re- 
sumed. 

Meanwhile Felix had finished his morn- 
ing work with a rapidity that deeply aston- 
ished Ignacio Diaz, and the tailor began 
to indulge in pleasant calculations of his 
possible gains, provided his apprentice's fit 
of industry endured. 

At last Felix, in high spirits, set out for 
the convent to get the Superior's old cas- 



30 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

sock. Tortosa admitted him. The soldier 
had his crossbow in hand. 

"Ha, Fehx ! " he cried suspiciously, 
' ' dost thou feel perfectly well this morn- 
ing?" 

"I never felt better," replied Felix, 
laughing. "Where is Father Juan Perez? 
I want to get his old cassock." 

' ' Alas ! he is with the poor sick gen- 
tleman. Dr. Garcia Fernandez has just 
come to see him. Another gentleman 
came with the doctor ; no doubt he is a 
notary summoned to write the poor man's 
will. Yet I don't see what he has to be- 
queath, except a good name, for every one 
can see that he is a true gentleman. Well, 
a good name is a blessed legacy. But thou 
wouldst best not disturb them now." 

"What ! is Senor Columbus sick ? " cried 
Fehx. 

"Here, here," said Tortosa, tapping his 
forehead. ' ' He believes that the world is 
round." 

" Perhaps the world is round," replied 
Felix boldly. 

"No more of that," cried Tortosa se- 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 



31 



verely. " I love a harmless joke, but that 

is rank blasphemy." 

"Where is his son, Diego ? " asked Felix, 

avoiding the dangerous subject. 

' ' Oh, he is about with that terrible dog. 

Thou shouldst have heard the brute snarl 

at the fine young gentleman who came 

with the doctor Fernandez. I took down 

my crossbow in a hurry." 
"Come, Tortosa," 

cried Fehx, "let us go 

and find the boy. I 

like him well, and he 

must be lonely here. 

Let us shoot at a mark 
with your crossbow." ^"^ 

After some demur, 
Tortosa consented, and 
they went to the garden, 
where they found Diego 
seated on a bench, with 
his dog at his feet. On the 
garden wall sat the big black cat intently 
watching the intruders on his domain. 

" Good morning, Sefior, " called Felix, 
joyously. 




top of the 



32 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



"How do you do, cafeaZZe'ro," responded 
Diego, in his gentle, pleasant tones. 

"Can you send your dog away?" asked 
Felix. " Tortosa doesn't like dogs ; and if 
you will, he'll let us shoot at a mark with 
his crossbow." 

"Very well," said Diego ; and taking the 
dog over into the cloister, he placed his cap 
on the floor, and bade him watch it, and 

then returned to 
Tortosa and Felix. 

Felix now placed 

a mark against a 

1 )ank of earth near 

the fountain, 

and the three 

took turns in 

shooting. The 

bow was 

powerful, 

the string 

being drawn 

back by a winch, and it shot an arrow 

with prodigious force. 

Tortosa, who had carried the weapon 
through many campaigns, was an expert 




FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 33 

marksman ; and Felix, who had sometimes 
practised with him, could make some cred- 
itable shots. But the sport was new to Diego, 
and his arrows flew about at random. 

While they were thus jDleasantly engaged, 
a sound of distant shouts and screams was 
borne to their ears. After listening a mo- 
ment, Tortosa said that he would go and 
see what it meant. He returned to the 
gate, and the boys followed him. 

As they stepped outside, a frightful scene 
met their eyes. A mad dog came rushing 
across the open ground in front of the con- 
vent, followed at a distance by a yelling 
rabble armed with clubs and pitchforks. 

The animal was howling and frothing 
at the mouth in a dreadful manner, and 
he came along with great speed directly 
toward Tortosa and the boys as they stood 
at the gate. 

Tortosa, who had coolly stood in the front 
of a score of battles when the air was dark 
with whizzing missiles, and who had climbed 
many a bloody scaling-ladder as if going to a 
feast, was horror-struck by this one danger 
that he dreaded, and stood like a stone image. 



34 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"Back! Back inside, and shut the 
gate," screamed FeHx, seizing Tortosa's 
arm. But at that moment a fresh alarm 
was added. Perrito, who could not bear to 
be left behind, had slowly followed them, 
bringing Diego's cap in his mouth. Hear- 
ing the uproar, he darted out of the gate 
and stood glaring at the mad animal ap- 
proaching him, and quivering in the act of 
rushing forward to meet him. 

Diego, realizing the danger, threw him- 
self forward and clasped Perrito around the 
neck. It happened that Felix had the 
crossbow in his hand, he having been about 
to shoot when they heard the outcry. Now 
he saw that this was their only salvation. 
Quickly he placed an arrow on the string, 
and clapped the stock against his breast. 
His muscles seemed to harden like steel. 
There was a sharp twang. The arrow 
pierced the mad dog's breast, and the poor 
beast rolled lifeless on the ground. 

Pale with fright, Diego dragged Perrito 
inside the gate. The people approached 
and gazed at the dead dog, and finally 
dragged him away to bury him. 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 35 

Felix, trembling a little now the danger 
was over, handed the crossbow to Tortosa. 
The soldier'fc' brown face flushed as he an- 
swered bluntly, and with a sort of emo- 
tion, — 

"Keep it." 

"It is your turn to shoot," said FeHx. 

The soldier seemed surprised at his cool- 
ness. He laid his hand on the boy's shoul- 
der and said gravely, — 

"Thou hast done a brave deed. My 
crossbow is thine. Thou hast won it." 

Tortosa was evidently humiliated at hav- 
ing lost his presence of mind at the moment 
of danger. Fehx blushed with pleasure. 
To be praised was a new experience to him. 
He could hardly realize that the veteran 
archer had actually given him the cross- 
bow that he had borne in the wars of 
Spain. 

Presently they all returned to the garden 
and sat on a bench by the fountain, and 
Tortosa, in a subdued voice, began to tell 
the boys old legends of the convent concern- 
ing mad dogs, and the miraculous way in 
which the evil was allayed in ancient times. 



36 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

" A loDg time ago," he said, "there was a 
terrible plague of mad dogs in this part of 
Andalusia. It is very bad now, but it was 
a great deal worse then. At last a very- 
good and pious monk placed an image of 
the Madonna in the chapel of the convent, 
and it was called ' Our Lady of Rabida.' 

' ' So great was the power of this image 
that the evil of mad dogs was almost en- 
tirely put an end to, and great was the joy 
of the people. 

' ' Then came the dreadful time when the 
Moors invaded Spain and approached La 
Rabida. All the monks fled save one, who 
lingered, determined to save the sacred 
image. He bore it from the chapel and 
buried it in the ground. But before he 
could escape, the Moors came and captured 
him. They thought he had been burying 
treasure, and tried to make him reveal the 
hiding-place ; and as he would not do it, 
they cut off his head with a scimiter. 

' ' The image has never been found, and 
the brothers of the convent say that the 
ghost of the monk still walks the cloisters 
at night, and will always do so until Our 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 37 

Lady of Rabida is found and restored to the 
chapel." 

' ' Have you ever seen the ghost ? " asked 
Fehx breathlessly. 

"Do you believe it?" inquired Diego 
calmly. 

"I have never seen it," replied Tortosa, 
"but I don't like to walk in the cloisters 
late at night. I wish that the image might 
be found so that the monk could rest in 
peace, and there would be an end to mad- 
ness in dogs." 

At that moment Perrito, whom Diego 
had left in the cloister, came slowly toward 
them, snuffing the air and giving an occa- 
sional low growl. 

" See that dog ! " cried Tortosa, rising to 
his feet in alarm. "He's coming this way. 
Call him off, Diego." 

" No," replied Diego, " he will not touch 
you. I don't understand what he means. 
Let us watch him." 

"Mad, most likely," muttered Tortosa 
apprehensively. 

The dog continued to advance till he 
had passed the bench and stood beside a 



38 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



thick clump of shubbeiy a few feet away. 
Suddenly, with a loud bay, he charged 
into the bushes, and instantly a violent 
combat took place there. The fierce growls 
of the dog were mingled with the loud im- 
precations of a man. 

Tortosa and the boys sprang forward, 



^ 

1-^v, 








and at the same moment Senor Vascona 
and Perrito tumbled out of the bushes, the 
cavalier kicking and struggling and reach- 
ing for his sword, while the dog held him 
firmly by the arm. 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 39 

Diego ran forward and with difficulty 
made Perrito loosen his hold, and dragged 
him away. The cavalier drew his sword 
and furiously advanced to run the dog 
through. Tortosa at once confronted him, 
with the coohiess of an old soldier, and 
said, — 

' ' Put up your sword, Senor. Why were 
you concealed in the garden ? " 

At that moment Columbus and his com- 
panions appeared, having heard the outcry 
and the struggle. They were soon ap- 
prised of the cause of the tumult. Vascoila 
cried angrily, — 

' ' I had the reverend Father's permission 
to walk in this garden, and overhearing the 
porter telling an idle tale to the boys, I 
paused to listen, and then that savage dog 
attacked me." 

"I regret, Senor," replied Father Juan 
Perez, with cool courtesy, ' ' that you have 
not had a pleasanter visit to La Rabida. 
But as it is, the best we can do is to bid 
you God-speed. Adieu, Seiior ; I trust the 
occasion of our next meeting may be more 
agreeable." 



40 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Thus being dismissed, the cavaher swal- 
lowed his anger as well as he could and 
haughtily departed ; and presently they 
heard the clatter of his horse's hoofs on the 
road. 

This matter being concluded, Columbus 
and his friends resumed their conversation. 
Father Juan Perez handed a letter to the 
pilot, Sebastian Eodriguez, and said, — 

" Senor Rodriguez, you will deliver my 
letter to the queen again beseeching her 
Highness to favor the project of Senor Co- 
lumbus. No one could perform the mis- 
sion better." 

"I shall depart this very night," replied 
Rodriguez. 

Felix had bade Diego good- by, and was 
accompanying Tortosa to the gate. He 
again offered the archer his crossbow, but 
Tortosa assured him that it was his. Felix 
then requested him to keep it for him, lest 
the tailor should seize and sell it. 

Felix had nearly reached Palos before it 
occurred to him that he had again forgotten 
to ask for the old cassock. 

He knew that Ignacio Diaz was very cu- 



FELIX WINS THE CROSSBOW. 41 

rious. With the cunning that tyranny had 
taught him, he resolved to burst into the 
shop and overwhehn his master with a 
starthng and lurid tale of the day's adven- 
tures, and so avoid his ancient enemy that 
hung on the wall. 



CHAPTER III. 

A ROYAL MESSENGER. 

Two weeks passed without any tidings 
from the messenger to the Court. Ignacio 
Diaz had not sent Fehx again to La Rabida. 
The old cassock, he thought, would furnish 
an excuse to send him when the pilot had 
returned and the news miglit be obtained. 




But one day Diaz, standing in the door 
of his shop, saw Sebastian Rodriguez ride 
by on a mule and take the road to the 
convent. 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 43 

"Felix," cried the tailor, "Sefior Eod- 
rigiiez has returned. He is going to La 
Eabida. Follow him at once, and find out, 
if thou canst, the result of this applica- 
tion to the queen. And — Oh, yes, get the 
old cassock, do you hear?" 

Felix, very well pleased that the tailor's 
curiosity was giving him a half -holiday, 
was soon on his way to the convent. 

When he arrived, Tortosa informed him 
that Fernandez, Pinzon, Eodriguez, Father 
Juan Perez, and Columbus w^ere all in ear- 
nest and excited council together, and that 
the message brought by the pilot seemed 
to have pleased them all very much. 

Felix and Tortosa went to the garden, 
where they found Diego and Perrito. The 
Superior's big cat sat on the top of the wall as 
usual sunning himself and keeping one eye 
on the dog, and the other on a noisy flock 
of blackbirds in a fig-tree near by. 

Tortosa sat down on a bench, with Felix 
on one side and Diego on the other, and 
told them tales of battles and sieges. 

Then Felix ran to fetch the crossbo"w, 
and they began shooting at a mark. Their 



44 AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

hearts were light, and the sport went 
merrily on, until it was suddenly cut short 
by a dismal catastrophe. 

Diego could not handle the crossbow 
very well, and his arrows usually flew wide 
of the mark. At last one of these unlucky 
shafts, flying across the garden, glanced on 
the bole of a lemon-tree and darted off at a 
sharp angle. The unfortunate cat hap- 
pened to be lying in its path and was in- 
stantly transfixed. He gave a wild leap 
and fell to the ground, dead. 

There was the deepest consternation 
among the archers. 
Even the veteran Tor- 
tosa turned pale. They 
went over and stood 
around the body of 
the unlucky cat. 
"This is very bad," muttered Tortosa at 
last. " The Superior will be terribly angry. 
This cat formerly belonged to his aged 
uncle, whom he regarded with the greatest 
veneration. The old gentleman went to 
glory three years ago, and left the Superior 
his money and his cat, charging him to 




A ROYAL MESSENGER. 45 

care for the beast as if it were his own 
child. And he has done so. The brothers 
here once told me of a poor monk who 
struck the cat one day with a willow switch 
because he jumped on the table in the 
refectory and lapped all the cream off the 
milk. As a penance for striking the cat, 
Father Juan Perez made the monk go on a 
pilgrimage with peas in his shoes, and they 
say he hasn't got back yet. So, ever since, 
the brothers have had the milk, and the cat 
has had the cream." 

' ' Oh, what will he do to me ! What 
shall I do ? " cried Diego, in distress. 

' ' Very likely he will not help your father 
any more, and turn you both out of the 
convent. It might be worse than that, 
too," said Felix gloomily. 

"Oh, this is dreadful!" sighed Diego. 
' ' My poor father, — and the poor cat. 
Why did I ever shoot the arrow ! " 

"Listen," whispered Tortosa, tragically. 
"Let us bury the cat in the garden, and no 
one will be the wiser." 

They looked at one another with agi- 
tation. 



46 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



"Would it be right?" murmured Diego. 
If not an honest way out of the difficulty, 
it certainly seemed the easiest. But this 
little plan suddenly became impracticable. 
A heavy step was heard behind them, and 
turning in alarm they beheld Father Tor- 
ribio, one of the prefects of the convent, a 
cold, stern, implacable man. A dark frown 
was on his face, and he surveyed the trem- 
bling group with fierce eyes. 

"Who has done this?" he asked harshly. 
"Who has shot the Superior's cat? An 
swer me, Lorenzo Tortosa, instantly ! " 
"I was just — just reproving the boys," 
stammered Tortosa. 
"Who shot the 
cat?" repeated the 
prefect angrily. 

"I did, "said Felix, 
courageously step- 
ping forward. 

"Thou bold ras- 
cal ! " cried the pre- 
fect, seizing him by 
the arm. -'Come with me. Thou shalt 
receive an hundred lashes, and be sent to 
the gaol." 




A ROYAL MESSENGER. 47 

With these ominous words, he dragged 
FeHx away and locked him up in a dark 
cell, where he remained for what seemed a 
long time in fear and suspense. 

When night had fallen, the door of Fe- 
lix's prison was suddenly opened and one of 
the brothers or inferiors of the convent 
entered hastily, holding in one hand a taper 
which he carefully shaded with the other. 
Felix gazed at him with fear, thinking that 
he might have been sent to bring him to 
punishment ; but the brother, after regard- 
ing him for a moment, gave a short laugh 
and said, — 

' ' Little brother, thou hast done us a 
great service. Thou hast slain our tyrant. 
Now, thank heaven we shall sit at the 
second table. Hitherto it has been, first, 
the Fathers, then the cat, and lastly, we 
poor sinners. Come with me and I will see 
thee safely out of the gate, for I and my 
companions would not see thee abandoned 
to the anger of Father Torribio." 

With these words the monk led the way 
into the cloisters and thence to the gate, 
where Tortosa was waiting to let Felix out. 



48 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



"Make thy little legs fly, brother," whis- 
pered the jovial monk, as he departed. 

Felix did not return to Palos, but turned 
his face in the direction of Granada, at that 
time the scene of fierce war between the 
Spaniards and the Moors. Although he had 
boldly taken upon himself the blame for the 




death of the cat, yet he felt terrified at the 
thought of the punishment that might fall 
upon him. He resolved to take final leave 
of all his old associations and seek his for- 
tune elsewhere. He regretted that he had 
not asked Tortosa for the crossbow. 

He walked for the greater part of the 
night, lighted on his way by a brilliant 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 49 

moon. Towards morning, hungry and 
weary, he lay down under a tree by the 
roadside and fell asleep. 

When he awoke, the moon, now growing 
pale, hung over the mountains in the west, 
and the pure morning light was streaming 
over the earth. A man holding a mule by 
the bridle stood beside him. Felix sat up 
and gazed at the stranger with surprise. 
The next moment he recoiled with a sensa- 
tion of fear. The man was Father Juan 
Perez. 

"Where art thou going, Felix?" asked 
the priest, in a gentle voice. 

"I — I don't know," stammered Felix. 

"Thou art fleeing from punishment," 
said Juan Perez. ' ' Didst thou kill my cat ? " 

"Yes," murmured Felix. 

"Son," said the priest, laying his hand 
kindly on the boy's head, "I admire thy 
generous courage in trying to save thy com- 
panion at thy own expense, but I must 
blame thee for thy falsehood. I saw the 
whole affair from the cloisters, and know 
that it was the son of Columbus who killed 
the cat. 



50 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"When I heard thee avow the act, I 
remained silent, desiring to see how the 
boy would bear himself in the matter. 
Had he said nothing, and let the punish- 
ment fall on an innocent person, my zeal 
for Columbus would have waned, for I 
should have suspected the father of such 
a son. But before night, Diego came to me 
and confessed everything, and begged that 
thou shouldst be set at liberty. 

' ' I was then preparing to set out for 
Court in obedience to the command of her 
Highness Queen Isabella. Forgetting thee, 
I left the convent at midnight, and have 
travelled all night, much regretting that I 
had not informed Father Torribio of thy 
innocence. But only a few moments ago 
I was surprised to find thee sleeping under 
this tree." 

Felix sprang up with a heavy load re- 
moved from his spirits. But a sudden fear 
for Diego and his father checked his joy. 

"I hope you will not punish Diego," he 
said. " He did not mean to do it." 

' ' The consequences of the accident are 
somewhat serious to me," said Juan Perez. 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 51 

' ' According to the singular terms of my 
uncle's will, the convent loses a large sum 
of money by the violent death of the cat. 
Nevertheless, I have pardoned the boy. He 
is brave and conscientious." 

The priest reflected a moment, and then 
asked, — 

" How didst thou escape ? " 

Felix hung his head and replied, — 

" I would rather not tell." 

"Very well, child," said the kind priest, 
"I will not press thee. Perhaps it is bet- 
ter that thou shouldst not return immedi- 
ately, as Father Torribio, not being aware 
of thy innocence, might treat thee harshly. 
Come with me. After reaching Court, I may 
need a trusty messenger to return to Palos." 

The priest mounted his mule, and Felix 
walked beside him, and they soon reached 
a village where they breakfasted with the 
parish priest, who received them very hos- 
pitably. 

Here Juan Perez obtained a donkey for 
Felix to ride, and presently they resumed 
their journey. Felix was very much elated 
at the turn his affairs had taken. 



52 



AN ARCHER AVITH COLUMBUS. 



After travelling three days, they entered 
the Vega of Granada, and riding over a 
wide plain, devastated by war, reached the 
military city of Santa Fe, built by Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella while besieging the city 
of Granada. 

Looming dimly in the smoky atmosphere, 

they saw the far 
extending walls of 
the besieged city. 
At a distance they 
heard the heavy 
detonations of can- 
non. Troops, and 
intrenchments, and 
engines of war ap- 
peared on every 
side. In a low, 
dark buildiilg Felix 
saw a multitude of 
wounded men, and dismal groans of pain 
came to his ears. Several dead soldiers 
lay beside the road, their white faces turned 
upward. 

Through these dreadful sights and sounds 
they rode, and reached a chapel and con- 




A ROYAL MESSENGER. 



53 



vent where dwelt a company of Franciscan 
monks. Hastening from the awful atmos- 
phere of war, they entered a cool, dusky, 
quiet courtyard, where the friars welcomed 
them kindly, and led them away to repose 
after the fatigues of their journey. 

Here Felix quietly resided for several 
days among the 
monks, while Father 
Juan Perez entered 
the presence of the 
sovereigns to lAead 
the cause of Colum- 
bus. 

The monks were 
very kind to Felix. 
He ate with them 
in the refectory, and 
they tried to amuse 

him as well as they could. One of them 
took him about the warlike city, and he 
saw the king and queen ride by in armor, 
attended by a brilliant cavalcade of knights 
and officers. 

One evening Father Juan Perez returned 
to the convent and called Felix to his side. 




54 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"My child," he said, "the time has 
come when thou canst do me a service. I 
must remain here for a time. Canst thou 
faithfully bear a message to Palos ? " 

" I will try," replied Felix, promptly. 

"Very well. I will trust thee," said the 
priest. " Be ready to start early to-morrow 
morning. Thou mayst ride my mule." 

At an early hour the next morning Felix 
sat on his mule in the courtyard receiving 
the final directions of Father Juan Perez. 

"Here is a letter for Seiior Columbus," 
said the priest. " Deliver it to the physi- 
cian, Garcia Fernandez, who will take it 
to him. 

' ' Now, attend carefully. Here is a pack- 
age of money, — twenty thousand mara- 
vedis in florins, — which her Highness 
Queen Isabella sends to Senor Columbus. 
Child, this is a proud day for thee. Thou 
art a royal messenger. Consider how faith- 
ful thou shouldst be to deserve this great 
honor. Here is money for thy expenses on 
the road, and this note for Father Torribio 
certifying to thy innocence in regard to the 
cat. Now, go, and God be with thee," 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 55 

Bidding adieu to the kind monks, Felix 
set forth on his journey, with a feehng of 
vast importance at the thought that he was 
a royal messenger. To what honor he had 
arisen in a few days ! He began to regard 
the dingy shop of Ignacio Diaz as a butter- 
fly might regard its chrysalis. But in the 
midst of his glory it occurred to Felix that 
a few more days might see him again 
seated on his table, in disagreeable prox- 
imity to the dancing yardstick. 

He met with no accident on his journey, 
though he guarded his letters and money 
with an excessive care that would certainly 
have awakened the suspicions of shrewd 
thieves, had he met any. In due time he 
triumphantly rode into Palos, and dis- 
mounted at the door of the physician, Gar- 
cia Fernandez. 

The doctor was ill and sore, having un- 
fortunately fallen from his mule the day 
before, but he hobbled to the door with 
some excitement to receive the packets 
from Father Juan Perez. 

As Felix stood at the door while Garcia 
Fernandez read his letter, he heard a 



56 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

stealthy step, and his arms were suddenly 
seized from behind. Somewhat startled 
he struggled with his captor, and, twisting 
about, saw his master, Ignacio Diaz. 

"Ah, thou villain, — thou runaway \ 
Where hast thou been these ten days V Is 
this the way thou bringest me the news 
— the old cassock, I mean? Come with me, 
jackanapes. The yardstick will loosep thy 
tongue. Come, I say ! " 

At that moment the tailor was petrified 
by a terrible voice, — the voice of Garcia 
Fernandez. 

"Do you court the rack or the gallows, 
tailor? You have assaulted a royal mes- 
senger. Eelease him, instantly." 

" Wh-what ! " stammered the tailor, with 
amazement. 

"Felix is at present a royal messenger. 
You would better not interfere with him." 

The tailor stumbled backward, took off 
his hat and bowed several times, saying to 
Felix obsequiously, — 

"I did not know it. I meant no harm, 
sir. Believe me, I meant no harm." Then 
he remained staring at his apprentice, 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 57 

while the physician calmly resumed his 
reading. 

When Garcia Fernandez had finished the 
letters, he said to Felix, — 

' ' My boy, you must take the letter and 
money to Senor Columbus at La Rabida. 
I am so lame that I cannot go out to-day. 
Hasten, for you bear good news." 

As Felix again mounted his mule, he no- 
ticed a man wrapped in a cloak leaning 
against the wall near by. His hat covered 
his face, but for an instant, from beneath 
the broad-laced brim, Felix caught the keen 
black eyes of Don Juan Vascona fixed upon 
him. Then he rode away toward the con- 
vent. 

As he dismounted at the gate of La 
Eabida, Tortosa emerged from his lodge 
and gazed at him with astonishment. He 
hurried out and embraced Felix joyfully. 

' ' Where dost thou come from, Felix ? 
Oh, but I shiver to see thee here ! Father 
Torribio is in a fearful rage. Thou wouldst 
best skip it away again. Is it the Superi- 
or's mule. Where is Father Juan Perez ? " 

"He is at Court, and I went with him," 



58 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

replied Felix, full of excitement. "He sent 
me back with a letter for Senor Columbus. 
Where is he ? " 

"Marvellous ! " cried Tortosa. "Ah, the 
poor man will be glad to see thee. Let us 
go find him." 

They hastened to the garden, where they 
found Columbus and Diego. Felix hurried 
forward with vast importance and saluted 
Columbus. 

" Senor, " he said, "I come from Father 
Juan Perez, who is now at Court. He 
has sent this letter to you. Her Highness 
Queen Isabella sends you this package of 
money." 

Columbus took the packets with deep 
emotion. His hands trembled, and he was 
very pale. But his mind was diverted for 
a moment from these matters of supreme 
importance, as Felix continued, with a 
worldly shrewdness that he had learned 
from the customers of Ignacio Diaz , — 

' ' Please give me a receipt for them, 
Seiior." 

Columbus smiled, and overcame his agi- 
tation. He swiftly wrote a receipt and 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 59 

handed it to Felix, who gazed at it witli 
awe, for he could not read it. Columbus 
hurriedly opened his letters. 

"Felix," whisjDered Tortosa and Diego, 
almost at the same moment, "come, we 
have something most wonderful to tell 
thee." 

Felix stepped aside with them, and Tor- 
tosa hastened to tell his story. 

"The next day after thy departure," he 
said, ' ' I took my spade and went to bury 
the Superior's cat. I dug a grave under an 
orange-tree, and while I was digging, the 
spade struck something hard. I cleared 
away the loose earth and looked down. 

' ' Then the few poor hairs that are left on 
my pate stood straight up, for there was a 
white face looking up at me from the bot- 
tom of the hole. I went away, but as I 
stopped to cross myself, a sudden thought 
turned me back and set me to digging like 
a giant. In a few moments I had uncov- 
ered the image of Our Lady of Rabida, — 
buried ever since the invasion of the Moors, 
— a little soiled and disfigured, but sound 
and whole, thank heaven. 



60 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' Soon the whole convent was on the 
spot, and she was borne in triumph to the 
chapel. Ha, ha ! No more madness in 
dogs. I need not fear Perrito now." 

While Felix was expressing his wonder 
and congratulations at this strange recovery, 
they heard the voice of Columbus. He was 
gazing upward and murmuring thanks to 
God, Diego ran to his side. Columbus 
embraced him, and cried joyfully, — 

"Joy, my dear Diego. The queen has 
sent for me." They went away together. 

At that moment an iron grip closed on 
Felix's arm, and the harsh voice of Father 
Torribio said, — 

' ' What ! thou impudent wretch ! Darest 
thou return and defy me ? " 

Felix at once j^resented the note from 
Father Juan Perez. Father Torribio read 
it, frowning. Then he said, — 

" Very well, if thou art innocent. But 
thou must answer one question. Who re- 
leased thee from the cell ? " 

" I would rather not tell." 

"Thou 7)inst tell. It is my duty to find 
out, and I never neglect my duty. Tell me, 



A ROYAL MESSENGER. 61 

or I shall imprison thee on bread and water 
till thou dost." 

" I cannot tell," replied Felix firmly. 

So presently the I'oyal messenger was 
marched away and ignominiously locked 
up in a cell adjoining Father Torribio's, 
where no kindly disposed brother could 
rescue him ; and there he supped all alone 
on dry bread and pure, cold water. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

THE monk's ghost. 

When Columbus learned that Felix was 
imprisoned, he earnestly interceded for 
him, but in vain. The stern priest was 
inflexible. 

But the next day Columbus met Father 
Torribio in the cloisters and informed him 
of his intentioji to def)art for the Court as 
soon as he could conclude the necessary 
preparations. 

' ' I am going to Palos to purchase cloth- 
ing and a mule," he said. "I would ask 
that the boy Felix be permitted to accom- 
pany me, as I wish him to direct me to 
suitable markets in the town." 

"He is undergoing discipline," replied 
Father Torribio grimly. " I can send with 
you one of the brothers who can furnish 
you the necessary information." 

"I must have Felix," insisted Columbus, 
" as I wish also to converse with him in 
regard to his visit to Granada." 

"Very well, Senor," replied Father Tor- 



THE monk's ghost. 63 

ribio, who hesitated to oppose a man who 
had been summoned to the presence of 
Queen Isabella. ' ' But I must hold you re- 
sponsible for his return." 

So in a few moments Felix was delivered 
to Columbus, who greeted him with a 
kindly smile, and presently they set out on 
foot for Palos. 

"Felix," wiiispered Tortosa, as they 
passed the lodge, ' ' Senor Columbus is a 
good, kind-hearted gentleman. What a 
pity it is that he has got that queer whim 
in his head about the world being round ! " 

On the way to Palos, Columbus talked 
very kindly to Felix, who thought Diego 
very fortunate in possessing such a father. 
When they entered the town, Columbus 
paused at the door of an inn, and giving 
Felix a florin, said, — 

"This is in payment for thy services to- 
day. I will leave thee here for a time. 
Enter the inn and refresh thyself as thou 
wilt. I fear thou hast suffered a fast day 
not in the calendar." 

" I do not wish the money," replied Fe- 
lix. "I am glad to serve you, Senor." 



64 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"Take it," said Columbus. " Thou shalt 
not serve me for nothing." And putting 
the coin in tlie boy's hand, he went away. 

About an hour later Columbus returned 
mounted on a fine mule that he had just 
purchased. He found Felix sitting in the 
sun, and a certain rotundity and ruddiness 
in the boy's appearance assured him that 
the pantry of the inn furnished something 
better than bread and water. 

"Felix," said Columbus, gravely but 
with a gleam of amusement in his eyes, 
"I notice a wondrous change in thee. 
Come, now, and show me a tailor's shop, 
for I must buy a suit of clothing." 

" 'A tailor's shop ! " cried Felix. ' ' I can lead 
you to the shop of my master, Ignacio Diaz." 

"Ah, I remember. Diego told me that 
thou art a tailor's boy. Very well. Is thy 
master honest ? Has he good cloth ? " 

" He has good cloth, but he will charge 
you too much for it. And when people 
pay him, they always ask for a receipt." 

' ' Thy recommendation is rather dubious, 
I think. But lead on. We will see the 
goods of Seilor Diaz." 



THE monk's ghost. 65 

They soon reached the shop, and were 
received very obsequiously by the tailor. 
Felix had evidently risen considerably in 
his master's estimation, and lie expressed 
his sense of the importance of his customer 
by asking three times the proper jDrice for 
the suit selected by Columbus. 

And when Columbus paid the amount 
asked without question, and without de- 
manding a receipt, Felix himself was sur- 
prised, and Ignacio Diaz was fully assured 
of the correctness of his own judgment. 

"Felix," whispered the tailor, drawing 
his apprentice aside, ' ' thou hast fallen in 
with rich and influential friends. Doubt- 
less thou hast secured a fine position. I 
trust thou wilt remember that something- 
is due me if I release thee. One hundred 
ducats will be a reasonable sum. Wilt 
thou speak to thy employers about it ? " 

After a little hesitation, Felix informed 
his master that his fortunes were really the 
reverse of brilliant, and that when he 
escaped from imprisonment on bread and 
water, he would be ready to return to 
work. 



66 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



The tailor seemed much disappointed on 
hearing this, for the one hundred ducats 
had evidently figured very pleasingly in his 
thoughts of late. 

After making a few more purchases, 
Columbus and Felix returned to the con- 
vent, and Felix was 
soon immured in his 
cell in company 
with a jug of water 
and a dry loaf. 

But when he was 
alone, the beauties 
of forethought were 
exemplified. From 
bis ample sash he 
extracted a quantity 
of cheese and cold 
pork, which he pro- 
ceeded to feast upon with an appetite un- 
impaired by his remarkable performance 
at the dinner table of the inn. 

The next day Columbus departed for the 
Court, and soon after a real time of trouble 
began for Felix. 

Unfortunately the vigilant Father Torri- 




THE MONK'S GHObT. 67 

bio detected and confiscated the remnants 
of hi 3 smuggled provisions. This discovery 
excited the anger of the priest, and as Fe- 
Hx stiU refused to tell who had released 
him, he was subjected to actual starvation, 
receiving barely enough food to keep him 
alive. Yet he would not yield. 

Father Torribio was not naturally cruel. 
He was intensely devoted, strictly honest and 
incorruptible, but bigoted, stern, undeviat- 
ing in what he deemed to be his duty, and 
relentless to whomsoever opposed his au- 
thority. So poor Felix was in a dangerous 
l^osition. 

Two weeks passed. Tortosa and Diego 
laid a plot to smuggle food to Felix, but the 
vigilance of Father Torribio was too keen. 
Every day the priest made the brothers 
pass before the starving boy in order that 
he might jDoint out the culprit. 

Felix could hardly help smiling as he 
saw the apprehensive face of the jolly 
brother who had released him ; but he 
maintained a stubborn silence, in spite of 
the dismal void within him. 

One day Felix was lying half uncon- 



68 AN ARCHER AVITH COLUMBUS. 

scious on his hard cot when he heard loud 
voices in Father Torribio's room. He 
sprang up and Hstened intently. To his 
great joy he recognized the clear, ringing 
tones of Father Juan Perez mingled with 
the deep voice of Father Torribio. 

In a few moments the door of the cell 
was thrown open, and Juan Perez entered, 
followed by Diego and Tortosa. 

" My child,'' cried Juan Perez, with tears 
in his eyes, ' ' I did not dream that thou 
wouldst be so harshly dealt with. Tortosa, 
take him to thy lodge and give him food." 

His exultant friends bore Felix away in 
triumph to the porter's lodge, and Tortosa 
gave him a cup of savory broth and a bis- 
cuit. 

"More, more," cried Felix petulantly. 
"Are you, too, going to starve me? I'm 
going back to Palos." 

He rose weakly as if to go, but Tortosa 
gently forced him back to his seat. 

"Listen, Felix," he said. "I was once in 
a besieged city when the food gave out. 
Many died of hunger, but we never thought 
of surrender. At last an army came to our 



THE monk's ghost. 69 

rescue. When food was given us I saw 
many men who had bravely endured hun- 
ger die from eating too much. So you 
must be patient, and you shall have plenty 
in good time. Here is a little more broth." 

So Tortosa carefully fed his patient until 
he was fully restored. Then Felix returned 
to Ignacio Diaz, glad to leave the place 
where he had suffered hunger, which was 
more terrible than a wilderness of yard- 
sticks. He resumed his place on the tai- 
lor's table, and for a brief period his exist- 
ence fell back into the old grooves. 

A few days after Felix returned to Palos, 
a singular experience befell Diego. The 
room which he and his father occupied as a 
sleeping apartment opened off a long corri- 
dor. It was large and bare, furnished only 
with two cots, a heavy wooden table, one or 
two chairs and a massive cabinet or secre- 
tary where Columbus kept his maps and 
charts, which were of great value. Many 
of them were the only copies extant, and 
their worth in money may be estimated by 
the fact that one hundred and thirty ducats 
were once paid f"o" a single map made in 



70 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

14:39, — a sum equal to more than five hun- 
dred dollars at the present time. 

One evening Diego walked with Perrito in 
the garden until the hour for locking up 
arrived. He retired to his bedchamber, 
leaving the dog as usual in the cloisters 
which oj^ened on the garden. 

Ha had felt very lonely since his father's 
departure. Juan Perez had informed- him 
of Columbus's arrival at Court. But his stay 
there seemed likely to be indefinitely pro- 
longed, for the siege of Granada was being 
vigorously conducted, and the attention of 
the king and queen was closely occupied 
with the pressing business of war. 

Diego repeated his prayers, and lay down 
to sleep. Slumber came to him quickly, 
and " steeped his senses in forgetfulness." 

He awoke in the dead of night. The 
moon had risen, and her pale light was 
pouring through the high, iron-barred win- 
dow, filling the room with a mysterious 
radiance. The sound that had awakened 
him now came to his ears with increased 
volume. It was tlie loud, angry baying of 
Perrito. 



THE monk's ghost. 



71 




All at once a shock of terror benumbed 
his body, while his mind awoke to intense 
alertness. A frightful figure stood in the 
middle of the room gazing at him, — the 
form of a monk with shaven head, pallid 
features, and large, spectral eyes. A dark 
ring extended around his bare neck. 

Tortosa's tale of the monk, who had been 
killed by the Moors, and whose ghost 
walked the cloisters, came to his mind. He 



72 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



believed that the awful visitant stood be- 
fore him, and he was too terrified even to 
utter a prayer for protection. 

Perrito's barking increased in fury. The 
figure moved slowly toward the door, keep- 
ing its staring eyes fixed on Diego. 

At that moment he heard a shuffling step 
in the corridor, and the dim light of a taper 
was projected past the open door. In a mo- 
ment Tortosa appeared, with a candle in 
one hand and the crossbow in the other. 
"Diego," he cried, "is thy dog mad in 
spite of Our Lady 
of Rabida? Get 
up, I pray thee, 
and — Santa Maria! 
Ow-iu-iv! Help! 
help!'' 

His eyes had 
fallen upon the 
dreadful figure 
The candle fell from 
his hand and went out, the crossbow struck 
the floor with a startling clatter, and poor 
Tortosa followed it, and, flat on his face, 
called lustily on numerous saints for aid, 




moving toward him. 



THE monk's ghost. 



73 




while the spectre swept over him and van- 
ished. 

In ahttle while almost the entire convent, 
aroused by the shouts of Tortosa and the 
clamor of the dog, was gathered in the cor- 
ridor, listening with 
wonder and horror 
to the incoherent 
recital of the por- 
ter, corroborated in 
its main points by- 
Diego. 

Nearly all the 
monks fully be- 
lieved in the ghost, and they cast appre- 
hensive glances over their shoulders, and 
carefully shielded their tapers or lamps, 
lest the draught should extinguish them. 

Whatever Father Juan Perez really be- 
lieved, he did not chide their credulous fear. 
He merely said, — 

"Perchance the good monk wished to 
assure himself that Our Lady of Rabida 
had really been restored to her place. He 
will trouble us no more. Let us repair to 
the chapel and celebrate a mass for the re- 
pose of his soul." 



74 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



The monks were well pleased not to 
retire to their lonely cells, and presently 
the chapel was lighted. The tall candles at 
the altar threw a soft light on the white 
image of Our Lady of Rabida, and the clear 
voice of Father Juan Perez was heard con- 
ducting the service. 

The next morning as Felix was seated on 
his table busily sewing, the physician,' Gar- 
cia Fernandez, hobbled 
into the shop, being 
still lame from his 
fall. Ignacio Diaz 
bowed servilely, scent- 
ing a possible order ; 
but he was soon un- 
deceived . 

'-Felix," said the 
physician, seating 
himself, ' ' a messen- 
ger has brought me a letter from Senor 
Columbus to his son, and I wish you to 
take it at once to La Eabida." 

At this the tailor drew a very long face, 
for since his return Felix had developed 
remarkable ambition and industry, and his 




THE MONK'S GHOST. 75 

absence meant a reduction of profits. Igna- 
cio Diaz sincerely wished that Felix's new 
friends would either let him alone, or take 
him away altogether and pay him, Ignacio 
Diaz, one hundred ducats. 

" Tailor," said the physician, throwing a 
ducat on the table, ' ' here is medicine to 
remove that dismal expression from your 
face. I will pay you for the boy's time 
until he returns." 

This was, perhaps, a rash bargain on the 
part of Garcia Fernandez, but it did not 
occur to him at the time. 

Felix was soon ready to start for the con- 
vent, for he was glad at the prospect of 
seeing Diego again. He set out joyfully. 
The beautiful landscape shone in the morn- 
ing sun. The blue ocean glittered. Again 
he saw the Pinta gliding up the Tinto like 
a white sea-bird. 

When he arrived at the convent, Tortosa 
detained him at the gate to tell him the 
strange occurrence of the preceding night ; 
and by that time the old soldier had suc- 
ceeded in adding some striking embellish- 
ments to the original narrative. 



76 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Then they went to the garden, where 
they found Diego curiously watching the 
dog, who was walking about snuffing the 
air and uttering low growls. 

"It is lucky that Our Lady of Eabida 
has been found," muttered Tortosa, looking 
suspiciously at the dog. 

" Good morning, caballero,^^ cried Diego 
pleasantly, as he saw Felix aj)proaching. 
' ' Perrito is trying to tell me something, 
but I am not bright enough to understand 
him. Oh, did Tortosa tell you about the 
ghost?" 

' ' I have brought you a letter from your 
father," said Felix. 

Diego hurried forward, took tlie package 
and opened it. As he read, his face as- 
sumed a serious and anxious expression. 
When he had finished the sheet, he glanced 
about him several times, and, seeing no one 
near, said, — 

' ' My friends, I will read what my father 
has written to me. His good fortune seems 
ever delayed. 

' ' ' My dear Son : — I came hither safely, 
and soon after my arrival obtained an 



THE monk's ghost. 77 

audience of her Highness Queen Isabella. 
But the sovereigns are too much engrossed 
with the siege now progressing to give 
attention to my business at present. After 
the surrender of the city, which seems 
probable, I trust my affairs may progress 
more favorably. 

"'I am hving with my good friend, 
Alonzo de Quintanilla, who always aids me 
to the extent of his abihty. 

" 'I write you at this time more especially 
to give you warning touching a certain 
matter. You are fully aware of the con- 
stant jealousy of the king of Portugal since 
my apphcation to the Court of Spain. I am 
informed that a Portuguese emissary has 
been sent to Palos to be a spy upon me and 
to retard my business as much as possible. 

" ' Be vigilant and circumspect regarding 
any suspicious person. More particularly, 
guard with great care the maps and charts 
I left with you. Their loss would be irrep- 
arable. 

" ' I suppose you are again pursuing your 
studies under the kind direction of Father 
Juan Perez. Be faithful and persevere. 



78 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

'' 'I trust our youug friend, Felix Madri- 
gal, is now at liberty. We are deeply in- 
debted to him, and if I am successful he 
shall not be forgotten.'" 

Diego looked at Felix, smiling. 

' ' In debt to me?" cried Felix with surprise. 

' ' Did you not save Perrito and me from 
the mad dog ? Did you not take the blame 
of the cat's death ? Did you not carry the 
queen's message ? " asked Diego gently. 

Felix blushed and was silent. Suddenly 
he asked, earnestly, — 

"Are the charts safe ? " 

"Yes," replied Diego. "They are all in 
the secretary in our bedchamber." 

' ' Have you looked at them this morn- 
ing ? " 

"No, but I looked at them yesterday." 

Perrito had been roaming the garden, 
and now he gave a long bay, with his nose 
in the air. 

' ' What ails the dog ? " cried Diego. " He 
has acted in that way all this morning." 

Tortosa began to sidle away. 

' ' Did you see the ghost in your room ? " 
asked Felix gravely. 



THE MONK S GHOST. 79 

"Yes. Both Toi'tosa and I saw it. 
'Twas a dreadful spectacle." 

"Diego," cried Felix, with agitation, "let 
us go and look at the charts." 

' ' Why, do you think the monk's ghost 
would steal my father's charts ? " asked 
Diego, surprised. 

Felix did not reply, and they passed 
through the corridors to Diego's room. 
Diego opened the secretary, and uttered an 
exclamation of fright. The charts were 
gone ! 

' ' Where are they ? Who has taken 
them?" he cried, wildly wringing his 
hands. 

Felix thrust his head into the secretary 
and remained motionless for a moment. 
Then he stepped back with a peculiar look. 

"Do you smell anything ? " he asked. 

" No," replied Diego, pausing in his lam- 
entations. " What is it ? " 

' ' That Portuguese spy has been here, " 
cried Felix. " I mended his cloak once, 
and I know that queer scent. I smelt it 
the moment you opened the door. It was 
the same man that Perrito caught hidden 



80 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

in the garden. I believe he heard Tortosa's 
story about the monk and the Moors, and 
has played the ghost so that he could steal 
the charts. What the mischief was his 
name ? " 

" Don Juan Vascoila! " cried Diego, very 
pale. ' ' What shall I do ? What will my 
father say ? The charts are lost ! " 

"No, they are not lost!" cried Felix 
boldly. " We must catch that fellow. He 
will not burn the charts ; he will take them 
to the king of Portugal." 

"Yes, catch him!" roared Tortosa, 
starting forward fiej'cely. 

" But how?" groaned Diego. 

How, indeed I Vascoiia had a long start, 
and, on his fleet horse, was probably far on 
his way to Lisbon. 



CHAPTEE V. 

THE PURSUIT. 

' ' I MUST inform Father Juan Perez at 
once, " cried Diego ; and lie darted from the 
room. 

' ' Alas ! " muttered Tortosa, ' ' I will bar- 
ter my head for a watermelon. There the 
villain stood before me, and I with the 
crossbow in hand, and I must needs flatten 
my nose against the pavement instead of 
crying, Halt ! " 

"Never mind," said Felix, "how could 
you know that it wasn't a real ghost ? 
Come, let us find Diego. I have an 
idea." 

"I warrant thou hast," cried Tortosa 
admiringly, as he followed Felix. 

They soon met Diego and Father Juan 
Perez. The good Superior's face expressed 
the deepest concern and anxiety. 

"Diego," cried Felix, "bring Perrito to 
your room, and let him smell of that cup- 
board, and I'm mistaken if he doesn't track 
the thief." 



8-2 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"A good idea," said Juan Perez. 
"Bring the dog at once." 

Diego brought Perrito to the room, and 
when he smelt of the cabinet, he growled 
and struggled to free himself. Diego re- 
leased him, and he passed swiftly through 
the corridors with his nose to the pavement, 
followed by the party of interested ob- 
servers. 

Emerging at length into an open court- 
yard at the rear of the convent, the dog 
crossed it to the opposite wall, where grew 
a large fig-tree. Here he looked up and 
whined, and then suddenly plunged into a 
thick clump of shrubbery and dragged out a 
white robe in which were wrapped a mask 
with goggle eyes, and a wig with shaven 
crown. 

It was all very plain. From that ghostly 
paraphernalia had emerged the cunning 
Vascona, who then had scaled the wall by 
means of the fig-tree and escaped with his 
booty. 

"Let us follow him," cried Felix. "The 
dog will track him." 

"He is far away by this time," said Juan 



THE PURSUIT. 



83 



Perez, ' ' but he must be pursued. Tortosa, 
arm thyself. FeHx can bear the crossbow, 
and Diego must go in order properly to 
manage the dog. I will give ye good mules. 
Saddle up, and be gone. Do not show your 
faces at La Rabida again without the charts. 







I will despatch alguazils from Palos to aid 
ye." 

In a short time the three pursuers were 
mounted and ready to set out. Tortosa 
had donned his old armor, and bore a long 
Toledo sword. Felix carried his crossbow 
and a good supply of arrows. Diego was 
unarmed. 

Perrito quickly found the trail, and they 



84 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

rode briskly forward. They soon came to 
a spot in a little wood of pines where the 
trampled earth showed that Vascona had 
tied his horse there while he went to the 
convent. 

The dog now made a long detour, and in 
a little while struck a road leading away 
towards the frontier of Portugal. 

All day they followed the sagaciou-s ani- 
mal, who took up the trail swiftly even on 
the highway. Twice they obtained infor- 
formation from peasants regarding the 
fugitive. In the afternoon they passed 
through a town where they again heard 
news of Vascona. 

Night came, but they rode on by moon- 
light. Yascoiia had so long a start, besides 
being better mounted, that their only hope 
lay in unflagging pursuit. For supper they 
ate bread and cheese that they had brought 
with them, and drank at springs by the 
roadside. 

They were now entering the mountains, 
and the road wound through dense woods, 
or traversed the bare, steep slopes of lofty 
hills. Towards morning they halted in a 



THE PURSUIT. 85 

grassy spot to rest and feed their mules. 
Tortosa and Felix threw themselves on the 
ground and slept heavily, but Diego sat 
with his back against a tree and held Per- 
rito's leash. He was too anxious to sleep. 

In about two hours they resumed their 
journey in the dusky dawn. They soon 
came to a vast gorge in the mountains. 
The road was a narrow shelf cut in a high 
chff. Above were rugged precipices; far 
below was a black river rushing among 
jagged rocks. A hoarse roar came up from 
the gulf. 

Diego said something about Thermopylae, 
but Fehx and Tortosa had never heard that 
celebrated name, and did not understand 
what he was talking about. 

After passing the gorge, they reached, 
late in the forenoon, a little mountain 
hamlet. Inquiring of the rough and surly 
inhabitants, they learned that a man 
answering the description of Vascoila had 
spent the night there, and had departed 
early in the morning. Therefore he was 
still far in advance of them. 

Tortosa and the boys pushed on again, 



86 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

determined to continue the pursuit even to 
the gates of Lisbon, if necessary. 

About three miles beyond the hamlet, as 
they were riding through a wild mountain 
pass, Perrito paused, and seemed for a mo- 
ment at fault. 

Hastening up, they saw that the soft 
earth was marked with numerous hoof 
tracks, which finally led in a distinct trail 
up the side of the densely wooded mountain. 

While they were exchanging surmises 
about this, they were surprised and startled 
to see the dog move forward and take the 
trail up the mountain. 

' ' The Portuguese thief has met a squad 
of his friends, sure," growled Tortosa se- 
riously. 

"Follow — follow!" cried Felix. "We 
must see where they have gone." 

They followed Perrito up the dizzy trail, 
turning in sharp zigzags back and forth. 
Through rifts in the thick foliage of the 
woods they saw below them a vast moun- 
tain panorama. 

After climbing in this way for an hour, 
they reached open woods, where the ground 



THE PURSUIT. 



87 






-^ ^- 









j'^ 









, {J.^ ^;/^ 




was less rugged. In half an hour more 
they suddenly found themselves in the 
vicinity of the people they had been i)ur- 
suing. 



88 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS, 

At that place the precipitous hillside 
above them descended abruptly to the more 
level land. Built against the steep slope 
was a small stone hut, with a roof of thick 
thatch. Gathered before this hut were a 
dozen ill-looking fellows, and among them 
they easily distinguished the more graceful 
form of Vascona. A number of horses and 
mules were tied to trees near by. 

Diego trembled as he saw his father's 
charts unrolled in the hands of a tall, ugly 
man, whose big ears stood out almost 
straight from his head. He sprang from 
his mule and secured Perrito by his leash. 

Even Tortosa recoiled at sight of this 
assemblage. 

" Zooks I They are too many for us,'' he 
grumbled. 

But it was too late to retreat, for the 
strangers had seen them, and instantly 
sprang to their arms. Crossbows were 
displayed, and the man with the charts 
levelled a huge arquebuse, like a small can- 
non. But the deadly volley was withheld 
when they perceived the small numbers of 
the approaching party. 



THE PURSUIT. 89 

' ' Come up, — come up ! " shouted the 
man with the arquebuse, who was evi- 
dently the leader, ' ' Quick, or we'll shoot ! " 

"We must take the bull by the horns, 
boys," said Tortosa coolly, and at once led 
the way forward to the band of ruffians. 

Vascona looked a little surprised as they 
rode up, but he remained cool and silent. 
Something in the appearance of the gang set 
Tortosa to thinking. He noticed that one 
of the men had Vascona's sword, and he at 
once made a very shrewd guess how the 
matter stood. As he supposed, the stran- 
gers were contrabandist as, or smugglers. 
They had met Vascona and captured him, 
and were now trying to ascertain the value 
of their prize. 

"Who are you? What do you want?" 
asked the chief, in a surly tone, as he 
noted the plain appearance of the new- 
comers and their tired mules. 

"Caballero," replied Tortosa, in a big 
voice, ' ' we are in pursuit of that man yon- 
der, in order to recover those charts, which 
he stole night before last from the convent 
of La Rabida at Palos." 



90 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



"Stole!" cried Vascona, stepping for- 
ward angrily, 

" That's what we call it in Andalusia," 
replied Tortosa coolly. 

"'Tis false," said Vascona, turning to the 
chief. ' ' What I have just told you is the 
truth. The king of Portugal sent me to 

Spain to procure 
these charts. I had 
f uliilled my commis- 
sion and was return- 
ing to Lisbon when 
you met me." 

" Procure ! " ech- 
oed Tortosa, indig- 
nantly. " Is that 
thy fine word for 
midnight robbery ? " 
The contrahandistas had now gathered 
about to hear the dispute. 

' ' The maps belong to a sea captain named 
Christopher Columbus, and this is his boy 
here beside me," continued Tortosa. "The 
king and queen of Spain are going to give 
Senor Columbus a fleet of ships, and he 
is going to discover a country he knows 




THE PURSUIT. 91 

about, where even the sands on the beach 
are of pure gold, and diamonds hang on the 
trees hke dew." 

This ghttering announcement made a 
sensation among the smugglers, and they 
Ustened with breathless interest. 

"Sefior," said Vascona, haughtily, to 
the chief, "you can see that these are 
but shabby fellows. Is it probable that 
these valuable charts belong to them or 
their friends ? I am a trusted agent of the 
king of Portugal, and I am to be believed. 
Give me my charts, and let me resume my 
journey, and you shall receive one thousand 
ducats. Beware how you detain me, and 
incur the anger of King John." 

This made another sensation. But the 
chief replied, — 

"Your threats don't frighten us. But 
what security can we have that the money 
will be paid ? " 

"Accompany me to the vicinity of Beja, 
or any other Portuguese city, and keep the 
charts in your hands until you receive the 
money," replied Vascona. 

Diego, who was very pale, had been whis- 
pering eagerly to Tortosa. 



92 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"Caballero," spoke out the old soldier 
loudly, addressing the chief, "thou canst 
see that this Portuguese, in spite of his fine 
words, is a rogue. Return the charts to 
us, and thou shalt receive two thousand 
ducats from the queen of Castile. Go with 
us to the neighborhood of Palos, and keep 
the charts until the money is thine." 

"Two thousand ducats!" sneered Vas- 
coila. ' ' Senor, these peasants could not 
raise two thousand maravedis. This boy's 
father is a crack-brained enthusiast of 
whom I bought one or two maps. He has 
probably sent these three scamps to waylay 
and rob me. As for his being recognized 
by the queen of Castile, it is simply ridicu- 
lous. Come, I must go at once. You shall 
receive three thousand ducats." 

"Caballero," cried Tortosa, "whatever 
he offers, the queen of Castile will pay 
thee more. Return with us as far as thou 
canst, and assure thyself that I speak the 
truth." 

"Boy," said the puzzled chief to Diego, 
' ' has thy father a commission from the 
queen of Castile ? " 



THE PURSUIT. 93 

"Say, Yes, yes!^^ whispered Tortoso anx- 
iously. 

"No, Seilor," replied Diego, calmly, 
while Tortosa uttered a suppressed groan. 
" But her Highness has summoned my 
father to Com t, and as soon as the war in 
Granada is ended, he will receive his com- 
mission and his ships." 

"I believe thou speakest honestly," said 
the chief, slapping his thigh. 

" Senor, do not be deceived by these vulgar 
boors," cried Vascona. 

" We will see about that," said the chief. 
" Boy, if these charts belong to thy father, 
thou canst tell me the titles. Repeat them. " 

Diego repeated the titles. 

"Thou hast answered correctly," cried 
the chief. ' ' Now, tell me more of thy 
father's plans, and of that rich country he 
is going to discover." 

"Let me take the charts," said Diego, 
stepping forward with sparkling eyes, ' ' and 
I will gladly explain them to you." 

The chief gave him the roll, and all the 
contrahandistas gathered around him to 
listen. 



94 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

As Columbus before the august assembly 
at Salamanca explained his sublime beliefs 
and plans to the learned men of Spain, so 
did his son, in that wild scene, explain 
them to the rude men about him. And the 
wise doctors did not listen with more atten- 
tion than the ignorant smugglers. 

And Diego was kindled with his father's 
enthusiasm as he proceeded with his demon- 
strations. His finger swiftly traced parallels 
and meridians on the charts, and his words 
poured forth rapidly and triumphantly. 

" Marvellous ! Wonderful ! " murmured 
the smugglers admiringly. 

In the midst of his earnest recital, Diego 
was startled to see, behind the men, a 
woman gazing at him with rapt attention. 
The ragged shawl which was drawn over 
her head had slipped from her relaxed 
fingers, and her black hair fell down on 
each side of her white and haggard face. 
Her expression was mournful. Her eyes 
were large and very sad. 

So surprised was Diego at seeing this mel- 
ancholy figure, that he lost the thread of 
his discourse, and paused. 



THE PURSUIT. 95 

Then the chief said, — 

' ' Thy father must be a bold captain ari4 
a learned man, and thou art a bright boj 
to learn all this. Now, I believe thy com- 
rade's story. The charts belong to thy 
father without doubt." 

' ' Senor, " said Vascoiia, ' ' I have some- 
thing to tell you privately. Step aside with 
me." 

He drew the chief aside and spoke ear- 
nestly in a low tone, while Tortosa and the 
boys looked on anxiously. They observed 
that the chief nodded his head and seemed 
deeply impressed. Presently they returned, 
and Vascoiia could not repress a smile of 
triumph. 

"Boy," said the chief, "according to thy 
own story thy father has not yet received 
his commission from the queen, nor will he 
until the war in Granada is at an end. Me- 
thinks, then, thy chance of redeeming the 
charts is small, and may be long delayed, 
while this cavaher offers us the money at 
once. We must accept the best offer ; but 
if the charts really belong to thy father, 
and he has influence with the queen, let 



96 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

him negotiate with the king of Portugal 
regarding them." 

"Caballero," roared Tortosa, "if the 
king of Portugal secures these charts, they 
are forever lost to their rightful owner, the 
good Senor Columbus. I assure thee that 
the queen of Castile will pay thee instantly 
more than will the Portuguese king." 

The chief seemed perplexed. Suddenly 
the woman, who had been listening intently, 
stepped forward and spoke a few vehement 
sentences to him in favor of Diego. The 
ruffian repulsed her angrily ; but at once a 
noisy and violent dispute arose among the 
smugglers, some being in favor of Vascona, 
and some advocating Diego's cause. At 
last the chief, raising his voice above the 
hubbub, shouted, — 

' ' I will consider this matter to-night, and 
to-morrow will give my decision." 

He turned abruptly, and pushing open 
the massive wooden door of the hut, entered, 
taking the charts with him. The woman 
followed him, slowly and listlessly. 

Some of the contrabandistas now began 
to unsaddle the horses and mules, while 



THE PURSUIT. 97 

others built a large fire, and put pieces of 
goat's flesh on spits to roast for the evening 
meal. 

Vascona, Tortosa, and the boys were left 
entirely at liberty, as the smugglers knew 
that their anxiety for the charts would 
insure their stay. 

Tortosa, Diego, and Felix led their mules 
a little way down the hill, and tied them to 
trees where they could nibble grass. Per- 
rito, also, was tied uj), so that he might not 
get into trouble. 

When night came on, they joined the 
smugglers at their rude meal of goat's meat, 
bread, and cheese, and listened to the con- 
versation of the rough men, from which 
they gathered that theirs was a life whose 
toil and hardship far exceeded that of more 
honest occupations. 

At last, one by one, the smugglers threw 
themselves upon the earth to sleep. The 
chief retired again to the hut, where he had 
the charts safely secured, and Felix heard 
him bar the heavy door. 

Tortosa and the boys left the fire and lay 
down under a low, thick pine-tree, not far 



98 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

from their mules. Tortosa and Diego soon 
fell asleep, but Felix remained alert and 
watchful. Several hours passed. The fire 
died down to coals. The moon rose, strew- 
ing patches of white light among the deep 
shadows of the woods. Then Felix rose 
also, and stole up the hill. He made a cir- 
cuit around the sleeping smugglers, and 
approached the hut from the side. He had 
resolved to secure the charts, if possible, 
and escape with them. 

As he crouched behind a bush hardly 
twenty feet from the building, he heard a 
slight noise, as if the door was being un- 
barred. In a moment the door opened 
slowly, and the strange woman stepped out. 
After a cautious glance about her, she 
glided away in the shadows, her dress 
almost brushing Felix as he lay behind the 
bush. She disappeared among the trees. 

Felix turned his attention to the hut 
again. The woman had closed the door, 
but it was unfastened, and, with his usual 
promptness, he lost no time in entering. 

All was dark inside, but from a corner 
he heard the heavy breathing of the sleeping 



THE PURSUIT. 99 

smuggler. Felix at once began a cautious 
search for the charts. Inch by inch he 
moved about the hut, feeling everywhere. 
Several times he paused, as a slight move- 
ment led him to think that the chief was 
awaking. 

He could not find the maps, and his cour- 
age began to fail. But again he began a 
circuit of the room, even passing his hands 
about the smuggler, who was lying on the 
earth-floor wrapped in goatskins. At that 
critical moment, the door swung open noise- 
lessly, and the woman stepped in. 

Felix shrank down in a corner and wished 
himself at home. He did not give way to a 
panic, however, but resolved to remain 
quiet until he had a chance to slip out and 
escape, or even to resume his search. He 
noted that the woman had not bolted the 
door again. 

But her actions puzzled him. She moved 
so quietly that he could hardly tell where 
she was, but it suddenly flashed upon him 
that she, too, was searching the hut. Had 
she seen him enter? Was she searching 
for him ? 



100 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Suddenly an icy hand touched his face, 
and he almost cried out with terror. He 
rose, but the hand covered his mouth, and 
the woman whispered, — 

"Don't speak. Listen to me. Return to 
your friends at once. They are waiting for 
you." 

She drew him to the door and he slipped 
out quickly. It was instantly shut and 
fastened. He stole down the hill, and found 
Tortosa and Diego, with the mules saddled, 
anxiously watching for him. 

Diego had met with a singular adventure. 
He had sunk into a deep sleep, and 
dreamed that his dead mother came and 
bent down and kissed him. Then he 
awoke, and lo ! a dark figure knelt beside 
him in the moonlight. He thought it was 
an apparition, and uttered a silent prayer. 

But the figure bent down and whis- 
pered, — 

' ' Awake, thou must go at once. I have 
brought thee thy charts, for I know they 
are thine. To-morrow he would have given 
them to the Portuguese. Awaken thy 
companion and hasten away." 



THE PURSUIT. 



101 



Diego recognized the strange woman. She 
thrnst the roll of charts into his bands. 
His heart swelled with joy and gratitude. 

"Oh, Seiiora," he rephed, taking the 
woman's hand, "how can we ever thank 
thee, — my father and I ! " 

She was silent, but presently he knew 
that she was weep- 
ing. At last she 
said, wildly and 
mournfully, — 

' ' I once had a lit- 
tle son, fair and 
beautiful like thee, ^ 
but he is in heaven. 
Oh, shall I ever see 
him again? Per- 
haps I shall die — soon , 
pray for me ! " 

She arose, sobbing, and hurried away. 

Diego's eyes were full of tears of sym- 
pathy. He did not then reahze that there 
was a dire significance in her words. 

He sprang up and awoke Tortosa, who 
was snoring hideously, for the old soldier 
was very tired. Then they were astonished 




Pray for me, oh, 



102 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

to discover that Felix was gone. However, 
they saddled the mules and prepared for a 
start, and in a few minutes Felix came 
hurrying down to them, breathing very 
fast and looking surprised and scared. In 
a few words Diego told him of the recovery 
of the charts. 

They mounted and stole away, followed 
by the faithful Perrito. It was with 
difficulty that they found their way down 
the steep trail, and they often feared that 
the clatter of the mule's hoofs on the rocks 
would be heard by the smugglers. Once 
they went astray, and were in terror lest 
morning should find them lost in the 
neighborhood of their enemies. 

To their great joy they at last reached 
the road and set out with all possible speed 
for home. But morning had dawned be- 
fore they passed through the little moun- 
tain hamlet. Several rough men on the 
street looked at them suspiciously, but did 
not molest them. 

After leaving the village, the road passed 
around the head of a ravine, and then 
returned along the vast fiank of the moun- 



THE PURSUIT. 103 

tain. At the latter point, as they were 
riding quietly along, a tremendous report 
came from the other side of the ravine, 
where the road left the hamlet. There 
was a strange humming sound in the air 
around them. 

' ' What's that ? " cried Diego, startled. 

"Ha, ha!" laughed Tortosa grimly, "I 
have heard that sound before. Ride, boys, 
ride as fast as you can." 

Looking across the ravine, they saw the 
whole party of smugglers in swift pursuit, 
headed by Vascona and the chief, who had 
just fired his arquebuse. 

Tortosa and the boys urged their mules 
on, but the Superior's animals were unused 
to long and severe journeys, and they were 
already tired out. It was plain that they 
would be overtaken very quickly. 

They had now entered the vast and pre- 
cipitous gorge, and, looking back as they 
wound around the gigantic cliffs, they saw 
the smugglers riding fast and gaining on 
them at every step. 

Suddenly Felix pulled up, and jumped 
from his mule. Diego, who was in a great 



104 



AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



panic, rode on at full speed, but Tortosa, 
with soldierly instinct, halted to see what 
was the matter. 

' ' They will catch us at this rate, Tortosa, " 
shouted Felix. "lam going to blockade 




the road; but you ride on with Diego and 
guard the charts." 

Tortosa hesitated. He did not like the 
plan. 

"Ride on! ride on!'- yelled Felix, who 
had sprung upon the steep bank and was 
furiously rolling huge rocks down into the 
road. "You can't do any good here. 
Guard Diego and the charts ! " 



THE PURSUIT. 



105 



Tortosa was accustomed to obey orders. 
He rode on, and left the courageous boy at 
his task. 

Having rolled down all the available 
rocks, Felix took a small axe that hung at 
his saddle-bow, and chopped two or three 
young pines so that they fell down across 
the road, though 
still hanging to the 
stumps. 

He now heard the 
clatter of the smug- 
glers' horses near at 
hand. His barrier, 
if not defended, 
could be quickly re- 
moved. He led his 
mule behind a pro- 
jecting point of rock 

which would partially protect him from 
shots. Then he seized his crossbow and 
placed an arrow on the string, just as 
the pursuers appeared around the nearest 
turn, and rode down upon his rude barri- 
cade. 




CHAPTER VI. 

THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 

TORTOSA found it difficult to overtake 
Diego, who was riding like the Wild Hunts- 
man. In less than half an hour they gal- 
loped into a small town, where everybody 
ran out of doors to see what was the 
matter. 

Tortosa instantly tried to drum up re- 
cruits to ride back with him and rescue 
Felix. He persuaded a few men to go. 
Falstaff's ragged regiment was not more 
grotesque than they. As the old soldier 
reviewed them with a gloomy countenance, 
he was delighted to see four well-armed and 
well-mounted alguazils ride up. They had 
been sent from Palos by Father Juan Perez. 

Leaving Diego at the house of the village 
priest, with the precious charts in his care, 
Tortosa and his men returned at full speed 
to the assistance of Felix. Perrito was 
eager to go with them, and bounded away 
joyfully when his master gave him per- 
mission. 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET 



107 



"Find Felix, boy, find Felix!" cried 
Diego to the dog. 

When they entered the gorge they found 
it deserted. The barricade had been par- 
tially removed, and they saw that horsemen 
had passed through. They shouted to 
Felix, but there was no answer. The only 
sounds to be heard were the mournful 
sough of the wind in 
the pines, and the sul- 
len roar of the vexed 
river far below. 

Suddenly one of the 
alguazils uttered a word 
of alarm, and pointed 
over the precipice. 
They all looked and saw 
the body of a saddled 
mule lying among the 
rocks. Tortosa gazed at it long and ear- 
nestly. 

" It is Felix's mule ! " he said. " Where 
is my brave boy ? " He sat down on a rock 
and covered his face, and uttered grievous 
lamentations, and reproached himself for 
permitting Felix to stay behind. 




^^- 



108 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

There was no way of descending into the 
abyss, and though they looked long and 
anxiously, they saw no traces of the mute's 
rider. After extending their search to the 
farther end of the gorge, they sadly returned 
to the town. Before they arrived, they 
noticed that Perrito had disappeared, but 
none could tell where he had left them. 

Diego's grief was very sharp at the loss 
of Felix, whom he had grown to love as a 
brother. Although the tailor's boy was 
wholly uneducated in books, yet his prompt, 
alert, courageous spirit had won the admi- 
ration of Diego, wiio was a student, and 
more given to gentle thought than decisive 
action. 

So the party returned very sadly to 
Palos. At the convent they found the phy- 
sician, Garcia Fernandez, in company with 
Father Juan Perez. Their joy at the recov- 
ery of the charts was overshadowed by 
sorrow at the uncertain fate of Felix. 

"It is probable that he has perished at 
the hands of those revengeful men," said 
Juan Perez. ' ' If so, he has met a hero's 
death. Such are worthy of Paradise." 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 109 

"I will not believe that the boy is dead," 
cried Garcia Fernandez. ' ' He has escaped 
them in some way, depend upon it." He 
looked around fiercely, as if defying any one 
to differ with him, but he saw sad eyes and 
gloomy faces wherever he looked. So, con- 
ceahng a groan behind a cough, he hastily 
departed from the convent. 

The next day the physician entered the 
shop of Ignacio Diaz, with a frowning, im- 
portant air. The tailor met him with a 
lugubrious countenance, for one of the 
brothers of the convent had just informed 
him of the probable death of Felix, and Ig- 
nacio Diaz saw the hitherto possible one 
hundred ducats fading away forever. 

' ' Alas ! my poor Felix is dead, Senor Fer- 
nandez, " he wailed. ' ' Such a fine boy, too. 
So careful, so skilful, so industrious, — and 
now he is gone — " 

"Silence ! " cried the physician furiously. 
"He is not dead, I tell you. I said I would 
pay you for his time until he returned, and 
I keep my word. Here is the money 
for the next three months. He is alive, do 
you hear?" And the despotic, kind-hearted 



110 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

doctor blustered out of the shop, having 
thus healed the tailor's broken heart. 

Two or three months passed, but nothing 
was heard of Felix or Perrito. Diego 
grieved deeply, and devoted himself to his 
studies in order, if possible, to soothe the 
sharp sting of his sorrow. Even the joyful 
tidings that Queen Isabella had at last 
resolved to undertake his father's grand 
enterprise could not dispel his melancholy. 
The results of overstudy and lack of exer- 
cise were soon apparent. Diego became ill. 

Mingled with this grief, he constantly felt 
deep pity for the strange lady of the moun- 
tains. He never forgot her, and in the 
bright morning or in the solemn night he 
always remembered her in his prayers. A 
shadowy fear ever haunted him that she 
had suffered for her good deed. 

One pleasant evening in May, Tortosa 
hurried into Diego's chamber, where the 
boy, though dressed, was lying listlessly on 
his bed, and cried, — 

' ' Thy father has come, Diego. There's 
a hubbub at the gate, I can tell thee. 
Come, he is asking for thee. The queen 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. Ill 

has given him ships, and he is going to sail 
in three weeks." 

Diego sprang up with new energy and 
ran out to the garden, while Tortosa fol- 
lowed more slowly, muttering to himself, — 

"Who would have thought that the 
world is round ! Who knows whether he 
is on top or underneath ? Zooks ! when I 
have a headache after this, I'll know the 
reason for it ! " 

At the end of the cloister Diego saw a 
group of monks, and among them the white 
head and noble figure of 
his father. The next mo- 
ment Columbus saw him, 
and came striding swiftly 
down the cloister, and 
Diego was soon warmly 
clasped in his arms. ''My 
son," said his father ten- 
derly, "I grieve to see thee so thin and 
pale. Thou must get well quickly. If I 
should lose thee, of what value would be 
the triumph I have gained ? " 

"I cannot forget Felix, father," said 
Diego mournfully. 




112 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' He has performed for us an inestimable 
service, " said Columbus. ' ' Before I depart, 
I will have a thorough search made for 
him. Let us trust that he may be restored 
to us. Come, sit on this bench by the foun- 
tain, and I will tell thee of my success." 

So they sat down in the pleasant twilight, 
and Columbus told of the surrender of 
Granada by Mohammed Boabdil, the last of 
the Moorish kings, and how the royal stand- 
ard of Spain was unfurled on the gorgeous 
towers of the Alhambra. 

He told of the refusal of the Court au- 
thorities at first to admit his high claims 
to be appointed admiral and viceroy of all 
the countries he might discover, and of his 
departure from Court with the determina- 
tion to apply to France ; and of his recall 
by a royal courier, ere he had rode three 
leagues, with the tidings that the queen had 
resolved to agree to his conditions and to 
undertake his enterprise, even if she pledged 
her jewels to raise the necessary funds. 

''It is eighteen years ago, Diego," con- 
tinued Columbus, ' ' since I began this under- 
taking, and I thank heaven that I have been 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET, 



113 




enabled to persevere. It is a glorious thing 
never to despair, no matter how great are 
the disappointments and misfortunes that 
come to us." 

" And are you really to have the ships? " 
cried Diego. 



114 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' I have the royal order to the authorities 
of Palos, requiring them to furnish me 
two caravels, fully manned and equipped 
for sea, v/ithin ten days. I intend to fit 
out a third vessel myself, with the assistance 
of Senor Pinzon. I shall have the royal 
orders read to-morrow in Palos, and in less 
than a month I expect to sail." 

"It seems like a dream," said Diego. 
' ' But what am I to do ? Can I go with you, 
father ? " 

' ' No, my son. I have something better 
for thee than that. Read this letter patent, 
signed as you see by her Highness Queen 
Isabella. It concerns thee, and will assure 
thee that thou art not dreaming." 

Diego read the document, which ap- 
pointed him page to Prince Juan, the heir 
apparent to the Spanish throne. This was 
a very high honor, and included an allow- 
ance for his support. Diego was surprised 
and delighted ; but the next moment he 
became grave as he thought of the ap- 
proaching separation from his father. 

' ' Thou shalt remain here until I sail, " 
said Columbus. ^ ' Then Father Juan Perez 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 115 

will conduct thee to Cordova, where thou 
must enter school." 

The next day Columbus, accompanied by 
Father Juan Perez, Garcia Fernandez, and 
Martin Alonzo Pinzon, repaired to the 
church of St. George in Palos, where the 
alcalde, or magistrate, the regidores, or 
councilmen, and the alguazils, or constables, 
and the chief inhabitants had been sum- 
moned to meet hiuL 

When the notary public read the royal 
order in the porch of the church, and the 
officials and the people began to realize the 
nature of the voyage about to be under- 
taken, there was great consternation. If, 
at the present day, some daring explorer 
should construct a sky-ship in which he 
proposed to abandon the earth, and should 
demand men to accompany him, probably 
there would be a similar disturbance. 

Before night the entire town was in an 
uproar. On the wharves, in the counting- 
houses, the courts, and the shops, and in 
every dwelling, a thousand voluble tongues 
were busy discussing the extraordinary 
voyage and its probable consequences. It 



116 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

was everywhere condemned as a reckless 
sacrifice of sliips and lives. 

The only man in town who was entirely 
satisfied was the tailor, Ignacio Diaz. Co- 
lumbus had visited his shop that day and 
given him an order for a rich suit of scarlet 
cloth embroidered with gold. As the tailor 
counted up his probable profit, his smile 
broadened, and he did not heed the sailors 
in the street, who were talking loudly and 
angrily about the crazy foreigner, Chris- 
topher Columbus, while their wives were 
weeping near by. 

Columbus found his departure delayed. 
Neither ships nor men could be obtained. 
At last further orders were issued by Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella, and an officer of the 
royal household was sent to see that they 
were obeyed. 

But still little progress was made until 
Martin Alonzo Pinzon and his brother en- 
gaged to furnish a ship and sail on the 
voyage. Two other ships were pressed into 
the service, and their owners and crews 
compelled to serve on board. 

One of these vessels was the fleet Pinta, 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 117 

that Felix had so often admired as she 
sailed up the river. Her owner, Gomez 
Rascon, was furious, and among his towns- 
men made many threats, and did all he 
could to delay the exi^edition. 

All this consumed time, and two months 
elapsed. Columbus had been so engrossed 
with severe and vexatious labors that he had 
not yet instituted a thorough search for 
Felix. 

One evening in July, Diego was walking 
on the street at Palos with his father, hav- 
ing been to inspect the ships, when they 
met a tall, ugly man, who saluted Colum- 
bus as he passed. His big ears stuck out 
almost straight from his head. Diego 
caught his father's arm. He was very 
pale. 

'^ Father, that is the chief of the contra- 
bandistas who had the charts ! '' 

"Is it possible?" said Columbus, looking 
after the man. "He enlisted in my ser- 
vice a month ago. I shall question him at 
once and find out what became of Fehx." 

He spoke to an ahjuazil, and soon after 
the former chief of the con frabaudistas was 



118 



AN ARCHER A¥1TH COLUMBUS. 



arrested and brought before Columbus at 
the office of the alcalde. He was very cool 
and unconcerned. 

"Don Christopher Columbus," he said, 
" I know why I am brought here. I recog- 
nize your son, who visited me in the moun- 
tains, and of course he could not fail to 
recognize me. But I beg to remind you 
that by the terms of my enlistment, as with 

all your sailors, I am 
exempt from crimi- 
nal processes during 
the voyage and for 
two months after 
my return." 

"It is true," re- 
plied Columbus, 
"thou art exempt 
from criminal prose- 
cution. But we are 
very anxious to know the fate of the boy 
who barricaded the road while his compan- 
ions escaped." 

" Did he never return?" asked the man, 
with genuine surprise. 

" He never returned," replied Columbus. 




THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 119 

"Tel] US truthfully what thou knowest 
concerning him." 

' ' I can tell you little more than you 
know, Senor," said the chief. "We were 
in a rage at the loss of the charts. I must 
have slept like a pig. The Portuguese 
rogue was angry, too, and we made the dirt 

fly. 

' ' We rode around a turn of the road and 
ran on to a neat little barricade. The boy 
let fly an arrow. It pinned a man to his 
mule by the leg. The mule kicked high, 
and nearly knocked some of us over the 
edge. 

' ' We went back a little, and some of the 
men climbed up the cliff so as to get around 
and cut off the man and boys, for we 
thought at first that they were all there. 

' ' We shot arrows at the barricade. I 
saw the boy's mule partly behind a rock, 
and fired my arquebuse. The beast reared 
and fell over the precipice. 

' ' Just then the Portuguese, Vascona, left 
us and rode toward the barricade. We 
thought he was only reconnoitring, until 
he clapped spurs to his fine beast and gal- 



120 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

loped down the road. The boy shot at him 
— missed — and the next instant Vascoiia 
leaped his horse over the barricade. 

' ' We all mounted and rode down, mak- 
ing a joyous hullabaloo, like fools. Our 
animals couldn't jump the barricade. It 
was a hard thing to do. And by the time 
we had torn it down so as to pass, we saw 
Vascoiia afar off, riding like the wind, with 
the boy held before him on the saddle. 

"We chased for a while, but we lost him, 
and the others too. So we went back like 
whipped dogs, snarling at one another. 

' ' I don't know what became of Vascona 
or the boy. If the little rogue juggled him 
out of the charts, very likely he tossed him 
over the cliff, and went back to Portugal." 

Columbus and Diego received very little 
comfort from the ruffian's narrative. They 
were both sad and silent. At length Colum- 
bus asked, — 

"Is this the truth ? " 

The man uttered imprecations to attest 
his veracity. 

' ' Why did you enlist in this expedition? " 
inquired Columbus. 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 121 

"Ah," said the chief, with a leer, "I 
want to see those sands of gold, and the 
diamonds hanging on the trees like dew." 

Columbus sighed, and said no more. 

Another thought now came to Diego. A 
deep anxiety came over him to hear tidings 
of the strange lady who had been so kind 
to him. He spoke timidly to the smug- 
gler, — 

' ' Where is the lady whom we saw in the 
mountains, — your wife, was she not? Is 
she quite well ? " 

For an instant the man darted at him a 
strange, fierce, evil look. Then he dropped 
his gaze, and replied, with seeming sorrow, — 

" Alas ! she is dead." 

Diego was shocked. A hideous fear that 
he dared not utter even to himself over- 
came him. That night he prayed for his 
dead benefactress, in grief and tears. 

The next day Columbus sent out three 
alguazils with orders to make a thorough 
search for Felix. 

After a thousand difficulties and delays, 
the fleet was at last ready to sail. Ignacio 
Diaz had finished the suit of scarlet and 



122 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

gold, and it was really a veiy fine affair. 
The tailor was heard on several occasions to 
express his sorrow that so good a customer 
as Don Christopher Columbus should per- 
sist in sailing away into unknown regions, 
where he would surely be boiled alive in 
tropic seas, or swallowed up by huge mon- 
sters that lurked on the borders of the 
world, or sucked over the edge of a vast 
abyss, like a bug over a cataract. 

' ' Good-by to Don Christopher and his 
beautiful new suit," said Ignacio Diaz to 
his wife, nodding his head solemnly. 

"But it is paid for, Diaz," cried his wife 
sharply. 

"Yes, my love, it is paid for," replied 
the tailor, with a sweet smile of resignation. 

On the second of August, Columbus, his 
officers, and crew, made solemn prepara- 
tions for their departure, observing all the 
religious rites which were deemed to be due 
to so serious an occasion. The fleet was 
anchored at the sand bar, near the mouth of 
the Tinto, fully equipped and ready to sail. 

It was a sad night in Palos, for the peo- 
ple generally believed that all who were 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 123 

about to sail on the expedition were surely 
doomed to death. And while there was 
weeping on shore, as the inhabitants bade 
their relatives and friends farewell, two men 
in the darkness were busy tampering with 
the rudder of the Pinta. One of them was 
Gomez Rascon, who wished to disable his 
ship so that she might be left behind. The 
other was the contrahandista, who had easily 
been hired, for a few pieces of silver, to 
assist in the treacherous deed. 

In the early morning hours, Columbus 
was at the convent, where he had been 
engaged in solemn conference with Father 
Juan Perez, and had taken affectionate 
leave of Diego. Then, accompanied by the 
Superior, Diego, Tortosa, and several 
monks, he set out for the landing in the 
dim light of dawn. 

"Diego," said Tortosa, in a low tone, as 
they walked along, "I am very ignorant. 
I know nothing of the earth and sea. Yet, 
if I were able, I would follow thy father 
fearlessly, believing in his knowledge. 
When I was a soldier, I obeyed every 
order without question, trusting in the 



124 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

skilful plans of my officers, no matter how- 
desperate the service appeared. And dost 
thou not believe, Diego, that in this enter- 
prise thy father is but feai'lessly obeying 
the orders of God, given him in mysterious 
ways ? " 

Before Diego could reply, the quick 
tramp of horses' feet was heard, and three 
men overtook them. They were the algua- 
zils that Columbus had sent to search for 
Felix. They looked pale and jaded. 

" Have ye found the lad?" asked Colum- 
bus, as they drew near. 

"We found no trace of him, Senor," re- 
plied the men gloomily. 

Columbus walked on, repeating in a low 
voice words of resignation, to which Father 
Juan Perez responded. 

In a little while they reached the landing, 
where a large crowd had sorrowfully assem- 
bled to witness the departure of the fleet. 
A last farewell to Diego and his friends, 
and Columbus entered his boat and went on 
board the Santa Maria, where from the 
masthead his admiral's flag was floating on 
the breeze. The east was gorgeous with 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 125 

the coming sun. The anchors were raised, 
the sails were set, and, amid doleful lamen- 
tations from the shore, the fleet departed on 
its long and mysterious voyage. 

Columbus shaped his course for the Ca- 
nary Islands, thence intending to sail due 
west. Three days after leaving Palos, the 
results of Gomez Eascon's plot became ap- 
parent. The Pinto's rudder was found to 
be broken and unshipped, and only the 
excellent seamanship of Pinzon, her com- 
mander, enabled her to reach the Canaries 
in her crippled condition. 

The fleet remained at the islands three 
weeks. -Columbus at first endeavored to 
find a vessel to replace the Pinta, but, not 
succeeding, he had a new rudder made. 

The repairs were completed at last, and 
the fleet anchored at the island of Gomera 
to take in wood, water, and provisions. 

One evening when the sailors had ceased 
their labors for the day, Columbus stood on 
the lofty stern of the Santa 3farm gazing at 
the sky in the northeast, which was lurid 
with the eruption of the volcano of Teneriffe. 

Presently his attention was drawn to a 



126 AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

small caravel, which came swiftly gliding 
in from sea. As she passed astern of the 
Sa?ita Maria, Columbus saw a boy on the 
high forecastle gazing intently at him. 
He held a crossbow in his hand, and a dog 
stood beside him looking up as eagerly as 
his master. Then the dog began to utter 
plaintive bays. 

The caravel came to anchor, and a boat 
was instantly lowered. The boy and the 
dog sprang in, the oarsmen pulled away 
vigorously, and were soon alongside of the 
Santa Maria. The boy came on deck, fol- 
lowed by his dog, and, to the questions of 
the officers, earnestly demanded to be taken 
to Columbus. He was conducted aft, and 
when the Admiral saw him, he cried, with 
astonishment, — 

"Felix ! — and Perrito I '' for the dog was 
leaping upon him joyfully. 

' ' Seiior Columbus, " said Felix seriously, 
' ' I come to inform you that three armed 
Portuguese caravels, under the command 
of Don Juan Vascona, are cruising in the 
vicinity of the island of Ferro with the in- 
tention of attacking you." 



THE SAILING OF THE FLEET. 127 

"How dost thou know this?'' asked Co- 
lumbus. 

' ' I saw them when I left Ferro in that 
caravel, whose captain I promised one hun- 
dred ducats if he would bring me to you," 
replied Felix. 

"He shall be paid at once," said Colum- 
bus. ' ' Thy information is valuable. And 
when I am at leisure I wish to learn how 
thou camest here, so far from Spain." 

He then gave orders for the boats imme- 
diately to resume the work of getting the 
stores aboard. The cannon and other arms 
were prepared for instant use. All night 
the work went on by the light of the gigan- 
tic torch of Teneriffe. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE NEW WORLD. 

Early the next morning the fleet set 
sail from Gomera. At the earnest request 
of Fehx, Columbus had permitted him to 
join the expedition, and, of course, Perrito 
went also. They hoped soon to be far be- 




yond the pursuit of the Portuguese squadron, 
but, to their great disappointment, a dead 
calm suddenly fell, and left their sails idly 
hanging at the mast. They apprehensively 



THE NEW WORLD. 129 

scanned the horizon for Vascoiia's fleet, and 
the sailors whistled for a breeze, and called 
out, piously, — 

''Bloiv, 
San Antonio /" 

Columbus exhibited his usual supreme 
patience at this trying mischance. He 
summoned Felix to the cabin, and kindly 
asked him to give an account of his move- 
ments and adventures since Tortosa and 
Diego left him at the barricade. The boy 
willingly complied, and his narrative was 
substantially as follows : — 

When Vascona made his sudden charge 
in the gorge, Felix, who had been some- 
what appalled at the effect of his first shot, 
hastily let fly an arrow, which flew wide of 
the mark, and the next moment Vascona, 
with a shout, had leaped the barricade. 

Felix retreated, trying to adjust his bow 
for another shot, but the cavalier rode 
down upon him, laughing, and, bending 
down, caught his arm and drew him upon 
the horse. Then he galloped away down 
the road at a good pace, while the contra- 
bandistas followed, hallooing loudly. 



130 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

' ' Felix, " said Vascoiia, ' ' if those rogues 
catch thee, thou art a dead boy." 
FeUx did not answer. 

" They are desperate men and very angry," 
continued Vascona. " See, they are tearing 
down thy barricade. If I should set thee 
afoot now, they would be upon thee in five 
minutes. On one condition I will bear thee 
away and save thy life. Thou must aid 
me to regain the charts, and I will pay to 
thee one thousand ducats. Thou canst 
rejoin thy companions, and take the charts 
stealthily, and give them to me. If thou 
fearest discovery, I will take thee to Por- 
tugal and find thee an honorable place. 
Thou shalt no longer be a wretched tailor." 

"Honorable!" cried Felix indignantly. 
' ' No place would ever be honorable to me 
again if I should do such a thing, — not 
even my grave I " 

"Dost 'thou refuse, stupid?" said Vas- 
cona fiercely. 

"Yes," returned Felix, though he was 
really very much frightened. 

"Then stay, and settle thy score with 
those mountain ruffians," cried Vascona, 



THE NEW WORLD. 131 

pushing him roughly to the ground. The 
cavaher then clapped spurs to his horse and 
darted away a few yards, but suddenly 
pulled up and wheeled about as if to try 
Felix once more. But the boy had not 
waited for the test. He was springing up 
the steep mountain-side with the hope of 
eluding the contrabaudistas, who had 
passed the barricade, and were now gallop- 
ing down the road. 

"Little fool ! '' growled Vascona, and in a 
moment his powerful horse had overtaken 
Felix, and he was again lifted to the saddle. 
' • They would snare thee like a young 
rabbit, and show thee no more mercy," 
laughed the cavalier. ' ' I will save thy life 
in spite of thee." And as he spoke he was 
recklessly thundering down the mountain 
road at prodigious speed. 

Vascona travelled rapidly into Portugal, 
compelling Felix to go with him. He jest- 
ingly called him his prisoner, but really he 
had taken a great fancy to the boy. 

They had not gone far before Perrito 
overtook them, having faithfully obeyed 
Diego's orders to find Felix. Vascona, 



132 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

who had an antipathy to the dog, would 
have killed him, but yielded to the boy's 
entreaties for his life. He stipulated, how- 
ever, that Felix should lead Perrito with 
him, so that he might not be used to track 
them. 

One day Vascona asked him how they 
had recovered the charts. Felix answered 
truthfully, and the cavalier became very 
grave and thoughtful. 

When they arrived at Lisbon, Felix was 
treated very kindly, and was given an 
agreeable position in Vascoiia's household. 
But the people with whom he was brought 
in contact were gay, fashionable, and dissi- 
pated, and Felix became insensibly cor- 
rupted by them. He forgot Palos and his 
old friends in a round of gay spectacles and 
frivolous diversions. He was making a 
brilliant start on the road to ruin. 

But Felix was suddenly brought to his 
senses. He had for a while observed that 
his patron was engaged in some important 
business, and one day certain of his asso- 
ciates casually mentioned that Vascona was 
to take command of a fleet of ships about 



THE NEW WORLD. 133 

to sail for the Canary Islands, to intercept 
and capture a Spanish adventurer named 
Columbus ! 

The brave, honest spirit of Felix revived 
within him. He was seriously troubled 
between his obligations to Vascoiia, and his 
duty to Columbus. But his sense of the 
injustice and iniquity of Vascona's mission, 
and his high estimation of Columbus, at 
length brought him to a decision. Leaving 
behind him all the rich clothing and trin- 
kets given him by Vascona, he took 
Perrito and his crossbow, and, dressed in 
his old, ragged suit, secretly took pas- 
sage on a caravel bound for the Canary 
Islands. After many minor adventures, 
he at last reached Columbus and gave him 
warning. 

"Thou hast done w^ell, Felix," said Co- 
lumbus. ' ' Not every one could or would 
abandon a life of luxury and ease for 
poverty, hardship, and an uncertain fate, 
in the effort to do right. We are now em- 
barked in an enterprise from which, I trust, 
will come honor and riches. Ask of me, 
Felix, whatever thou wilt, and, if it be 



134 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 




possible, I will give it thee at the termina- 
tion of this voyage." 

Columbus smiled kindly and waited to 
hoar his wish, encouraging him to ask for 
whatever would please him most. Sud- 
denly Felix looked up and asked ear- 
nestly, — 



THE NEW WORLD. 135 

"Senor, do you think it would be possi- 
ble for me to learn to read ? " 

"To read!" cried Columbus, surprised. 
" Thou canst easily learn." 

"If you would teach me," murmured 
Felix; "but no! it is asking too much." 

"Felix," said Columbus gently, "I will 
gladly teach thee to read. Let us begin 
now, and afterward we will speak again of 
the reward which thou shalt receive." 

' ' That will be a reward beyond my de- 
serving," cried Felix. "To be a learned 
man, — to know how to read ! " 

So while his ships lay motionless on a 
glassy sea, in proximity to an enemy, Co- 
lumbus calmly gave Felix his first lesson in 
letters. 

In three days a fresh breeze sprang up as 
the sun rose on a Sunday morning. Far 
away towered the mountains of Ferro, and 
on the horizon under the sun three white 
specks gleamed. They were the Portu- 
guese caravels. But the ships of Columbus 
spread their wings and sped away into the 
west, and Vascona was baffled once more. 

Day after day the ships sailed on far into 



136 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



the mysterious solitudes of the ocean. A 
strange, steady breeze wafted them along. 
It was the now familiar trade-wind. 

The compass, upon which they had relied, 
began to act strangely, and the needle 
no longer pointed directly to the north. 

The pilots were 
puzzled, and the 
ignorant sailors ap- 
palled, and only the 
wise explanations 
of Columbus re- 
garding the varia- 
tion calmed their 
fears for the time. 
Still the mystical 
breeze blew them on, and they feared that 
they could never return against that cease- 
less current of air. 

The sea was smooth, and soon they be- 
held it covered with weeds, and they 
imagined that the ships were about to run 
aground in shallow, shoreless, torrid waters 
where all would miserably perish. But 
Columbus sounded the sea and found no 
bottom. 




THE NEW WORLD. 137 

Weeks passed, and only the level ocean 
and the arching sky met their eager eyes. 
They seemed to be carried down a vast 
watery inchne, wlio could tell where? 
Perhaps into the depths of a terrible abyss 
full of enormous whirlpools, or even over 
the very edge of the world, whence they 
would plunge into space ! 

These vague terrors of the sailors led to 
murmurings and mutiny. Foremost among 
the disaffected was the contraband ista, who 
had lost all hope of seeing the sands of gold 
and the diamonds hanging on the trees like 
dew. His only desire was to get back to 
Spain, and he incited tlie sailors to rebel 
and force Columbus to return. 

One night Fehx, happening to enter the 
forecastle, overheard the" ruffian urging 
some of the sailors to join him in throwing 
Columbus overboard in' the night. He 
argued that it would be regarded as an 
accident, and that the whole fleet would 
rejoice at the opportunity to abandon the 
mad voyage and return to Spain. 

Fehx at once warned Columbus of his 
danger, and on the following day the 



138 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Admiral addressed his crew, using explana- 
tions, promises, or threats, according to the 
different characters with whom he had to 
deal. The contrabcotch'sta and others he 
sternly menaced with extreme penalties if 
they attempted any treasonable act. 

Nevertheless, Felix felt great anxiety for 
his kind commander and teacher. When 
Columbus slept, he mounted guard at the 
cabin door, crossbow in hand and Perrito 
by his side. And at night when the 
Admiral was on deck watching, or taking 
observations, Felix and his crossbow were 
close at hand to resist any act of treachery. 

One eventful night, as Columbus was 
standing on the high stern of the Santa 
Maria, he suddenly started and uttered an 
exclamation. Glancing around, he saw 
Felix near by. 

"Felix,'' he said quietly, "come here 
and tell me if thou seest anything in that 
direction.'' 

Felix approached, and looked intently in 
the direction indicated. Presently he said : 

' ' Senor, I see a light a long way off mov- 
ing up and down." 



THE NEW WORLD. 



139 



"Then I am not deceived," cried Colum- 
bus. "I have discovered land ! " 

He called two of his officers, and they too 
saw the distant light. 

The night wore on, and every man in the 
fleet was wide awake and on the alert. 
At two o'clock in the morning a red flash 
lighted up the swelling sails of the Pinta, 

and the report of a 
cannon electrified 
the expectant mari- 
ners. Following the 
report there came 
over the dark water 
a long-drawn, exult- 
ant cry, — 

''Land! land."' 
It was October 12, 1^9 2. 
In the fresh and lovely dawn Felix stood 
by the side of Columbus and gazed on the 
gleaming shore of a beautiful island. The 
pure, sweet air, the clear, azure sky, the 
pellucid waters, the green, luxuriant laud, 
all filled the hearts of the voyagers with 
gladness, and seemed, indeed, to belong to 
a new and delightful world. 




140 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Had Ignacio Diaz been present, his heart 
would have swelled with pride to see the 
Admiral enter his boat attired in that rich 
suit of scarlet cloth embroidered with gold ; 
and, doubtless, his chief reflection would 
have been of the numerous orders likely to 
be received from Don Christopher Columbus 
now that he had discovered a new world. 

Well, poor Ignacio Diaz has been for- 
gotten for centuries. I doubt that it ever 
occurred to him that anything but money 
was worth working for. If it had been 
suggested to him, he would have asked, 
with contempt, "Where is the profit com- 
ing in, Seiior ? " But a few years passed, 
and he died, and ducats were useless to him 
forever. 

The boats touched the land, and Colum- 
bus stepped ashore with the roj^al standard 
in his hand. Felix followed him. Perrito 
had been left on the ship, and his mournful 
bay could be heard over the water. The 
officers and sailors landed. Down they all 
knelt upon the shore to thank God for 
success. 

Then Columbus took possession of the 



THE NEW WORLD. 



141 



land for the king and queen of Spain, 
whose admiral and viceroy he also pro- 
claimed himself to be. And from the 
woods there came a crowd of wild, copper- 






r^ 



-:>- 




colored men to greet the strangers who had 
landed on their soil, — the soil that was to 
be theirs no more. 

Columbus and his men remained on shore 



142 



AN ARCHEK WITH COLUMBUS. 



the rest of the day, exploring the beautiful 
island, which the natives called Guanahani, 
and endeavoring to converse with the gentle 
though barbaric inhabitants. With pres- 
ents of beads and hawk-bells they won the 
hearts of the simple people, and sought to 

learn from them 
more of the new 
world that they 
had found. 

During the after- 
noon, Felix, at- 
tracted by the 
beauty of the 
woods, wandered 
away from his com- 
panions and strolled 
with delight among 
fragrant thickets, and under the broad, 
drooping leaves of tropic trees. He carried 
his crossbow in his hand, but he felt no 
fear of the natives. 

After crossing a wooded point, and be- 
coming somewhat entangled in dense under- 
brush, he at length emerged upon the beach. 
The surf broke gently on the white sand. 




THE NEW WORLD. 143 

A cool breeze tempered the aident rays of 
the sun. Over the blue water he saw the 
ships riding at anchor. 

While he felt all the beauty of the scene, 
yet his mind was occupied with other 
thoughts. He realized that Columbus had 
achieved a great triumph. Well, so had 
he, Felix Madrigal, achieved a great tri- 
umph. Columbus had conquered the perils 
of a vast and unknown ocean, and had 
found a new world. What had Felix Mad- 
rigal conquered ? The alphabet! Was not 
that a new world, too, surrounded likewise 
with strange and perplexing rocks and 
shoals whereon he had many times nearly 
suffered shipwreck ? He sat down upon 
the sand, and with a twig began carefully 
to trace the letters of his name. 

Suddenly his attention was drawn from 
his absorbing task. A strange object was 
emerging from the surf. Felix had often 
heard of mermaids and mermen, and he 
felt that something of that sort was now 
before his eyes. He laid his hand on his 
crossbow, though much doubting whether 
an arrow would prevail against a being of 
that kind. 



144 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

As the creature emerged from the surf 
and crawled upon the beach, Fehx was 
struck by an impression that he had seen 
something hke it before. Still mystified, 
however, he remained motionless, and 
watched the singular movements of the 
newcomer, who began eagerly to pluck up 
handfuls of sand and hold it up to the sun- 
light and examine it intently. 

Soon a young Indian came running 
swiftly along the beach. He was naked, 
and his long black hair streamed behind 
him as he sped along. In his hands he held 
a large ball of cotton. He had probably 
heard of the arrival of the strange white 
men, and was hastening to see them, with 
his ball of cotton for an offering. 

As he drew near, the uncouth being on 
the sand reared itself to its feet right in his 
path. It was a disgusting revelation to 
Felix. He knew too well that brutal face, 
and those huge, projecting ears. It was 
the contrabandista. He had left the ship 
without permission and swum ashore, and 
was now vigorously prospecting for those 
marvellous sands of gold. 



THE NEW WORLD. 145 

The Indian halted and gazed at him with 
evident fear. Then he trembhngly held 
out his ball of cotton, — his little offering 
that he had brought for the godlike vis- 
itors. 

The contrahandista strode forward, with 
hand extended, also, but extended to take, 
not to give. That was his usual practice. 
But at that moment something about the 
savage seemed to inspire him with extreme 
emotion. He rushed forward and caught 
the unfortunate red man by the nose. 

Felix heard the Indian cry out with pain, 
and realized that violence was being done. 
He snatched up his crossbow, placed an 
arrow on the string, and hurried forward, 
calling out sharply to the ruffian to desist. 

The contrahandista turned upon him with 
a ferocious scowl, but perceiving the cross- 
bow levelled at him, he began to parley and 
to make excuses. He confessed to swim- 
ming ashore, being urged to the act by his 
intense desire to touch land once more. 
He was merely protecting himself from the 
Indian, who he feared was about to attack 
him. He trusted that Felix would not re- 



146 AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

port such a harmless escapade, and craved 
permission to swim back to the ship. 

FeMx felt that it was his duty to conduct 
the offender before Columbus, yet he dis- 
liked to get any one into trouble. He 
looked at the Indian and saw that he wore 
a small ornament of gold in his nose. It 
was this that the contrahandista had cov- 
eted and had endeavored to tear away. 
The blood was trickling down the poor 
fellow's face, and he seemed trembling be- 
tween flying for his life and throwing him- 
self at the feet of the white strangers. 

Felix's indignation blazed up, and he 
wheeled about to command the ruffian to 
accompany him immediately to the Admiral. 
But the fellow had slipped away and was 
already in the surf striking out swiftly for 
the Santa Maria. 

So Felix turned his attention to soothing 
the fears of the Indian, and after a time 
succeeded in assuring him of his friendship. 
His next effort was to ascertain his com- 
panion's name. Pointing to himself, he 
pronounced his own name, "Felix." Then 
pointing to the native he fixed upon him a 



THE NEW WORLD. 147 

look of inquiry. In a moment the Indian 
seemed to understand the question, and 
rephed, — 

"Poalo.^' 

So Fehx called him " Pablo," which had 
a similar sound, and presently conducted 
him to Columbus, to whom he reported 
also the cruel assault perpetrated by the 
contra ha ndisfa . 

Pablo, perceiving that he was in the 
presence of the commander of the strange 
visitors, humbly offered his ball of cotton. 
Columbus accepted it with benignity, and 
gave him in return a red cap and a string 
of glass beads. 

Joyful at receiving such rich and wonder- 
ful gifts, Pablo forgot his injured nose and 
fell to dancing on the greensward. Colum- 
bus meanwhile addressed his men, proclaim- 
ing dire penalties against whomsoever 
should maltreat the natives. 

Nevertheless, every one present had 
marked with eager eyes and quickened 
breath the little ornament of gold in Pablo's 
nose, and when the Indian had finished his 
childish dance, Columbus sought to learn 



148 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

from him where he had obtained it. Pablo 
pointed to the south, and by signs and ges- 
tures and strange antics seemed to describe 
a great and rich monarch whose empire lay 
in that direction. 

The Spaniards were exultant and joyful. 
They seemed to see just before them the 
gorgeous realization of their hopes. Their 
own ardent desire for the discovery of lands 
of enormous wealth guided them too closely 
in interpreting the fantastic sign language 
of the Indians. 

' 'Gentlemen, " said Columbus, ' ' our course 
lies to the south. Doubtless the great mon- 
arch described by this Indian is that same 
king of the island of Cipango, or Japan, 
described by Marco Polo." 

As night came on they all returned to the 
ships. The contrabandista was at once 
called to account for his misdeeds. He was 
put in chains, and assigned a diet of 
bread and water. The question of cutting 
off one of his ears was also seriously con- 
sidered. But in view of the general joy 
prevailing in the fleet, this infliction was 
postponed for a time. Still, the ruffian was 



THE NEW WORLD. 149 

in a sad state, — his only ray of hope being 
the remembrance of that rude hoop of gold 
hanging from the Indian's nose. 

Two days after, the fleet sailed southward 
from Guanahani, which Columbus called 
San Salvador. Seven Indians were taken 
on board the shij)s, to be taught the Spanish 
language, so that they could serve as inter- 
preters. Among them was Pablo, who had 
become much attached to Felix, and begged 
to be taken with him. He was certainly 
the brightest of the seven, — gentle, affec- 
tionate, and obliging. Felix soon taught 
him to speak a little Spanish, and rewarded 
his efforts with biscuits and honey. 

After touching at several beautiful islands, 
and seeking in vain for rich kingdoms, and 
mines of gold and gems, Columbus set sail 
for a great island to the south, which he 
fully believed to be the gorgeous Cipango 
of which he had long dreamed. 

On the morning of the twenty-eighth of 
October there burst upon his view a grand 
and far-extending island, with lofty moun- 
tains, green plains and valleys, and vast 
forests. Clear and sj)arkling rivers flowed 



150 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



gently into the blue and tranquil sea. The 
beautiful wooded shores were fragrant with 
flowers and fruit. Birds of brilliant plu- 
mage flitted among the trees, and glittering 
insects flashed amongst the luxuriant ver- 
dure. It was Cuba, the "Queen of the 
Antilles." 

The fleet coasted aloii.ii- tliese delightful 




shores, and succeeded in opening communi- 
cation with the inhabitants, but they were 
merely naked Indians, and brought little be- 
sides cotton to barter. There was no gold. 
Again Columbus eagerly listened to the 
half-understood tales of the natives. They 
seemed to tell of a great king who dwelt at 
his magniflcent capital in the interior of the 
island. Surely this must be some mighty 
Asiatic potentate. Columbus resolved to 



THE NEW AVORLD. 



151 



send envoys to communicate with the mon- 
arch. 

Two men were chosen for this service, 
one of whom could speak Hebrew, Chaldaic, 
and Arabic. With Pablo and a Cuban 
Indian for interpre- 
ters, they set out on 
their adventurous 
journey, and disap- 
peared in the dense 
forest. 

The next day Felix 
accompanied Colum- 
bus on an expedition 
up the large river in 
the mouth of which 

the fleet was anchored. When the party 
landed to explore the adjacent country, 
they were attracted by a group of Indian 
huts in a beautiful grove not far away, 
and went to visit them. 

They were built of palm leaves, and were 
quite clean. A goodly quantity of cotton 
and cotton yarn was stored within, and 
several hammocks of cotton net were sus- 
pended between posts. 




152 



AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 



Near the huts were small fields of cotton 
and Indian corn, and between the hills of 
corn were low, dark-green plants, each 
plant having a number of queer, roundish 
roots or tubers. Felix put a few of these 
roots in his pocket as curiosities. He tasted 
one of them, but at once concluded that it 
was not yet ripe. 

After hanging a few beads on the huts, 




to conciliate the owners, who had been seen 
hovering at a distance, the party returned 
to the boats. 

In a few days the two envoys returned. 
They had been disappointed. The splendid 
city and the mighty king had shrunk into a 
cluster of Indian huts and a barbarian 
chief. Thus the cloud-castles crumbled. 



THE NEW WORLD. 153 

Hearing from the natives accounts of an 
island of fabulous richness to the northeast, 
Columbus determined to sail thither. But 
soon after leaving the coast of Cuba, he was 
met by adverse winds, and compelled to put 
back. 

The Pinta, having better sailing qualities, 
continued on her course, in spite of the 
Admiral's signals to return, and was soon 
lost to sight. Columbus was much troubled 
by this, as he believed it to be a deliberate 
desertion on the part of Martin Alonzo 
Pinzon, with the hope of securing more 
glory and profit to himself and to his 
townsmen and friends who were with 
him. 

During this rough weather, the contra- 
handista was released from his chains and 
returned to duty, with both ears intact. 
So far from being grateful for this, he soon 
gathered a few of his familiar spirits about 
him in the forecastle, and over a tankard 
of wine mumbled ferocious threats against 
Columbus and Felix. But the ruffian at- 
tended to his duties promptly, and no one 
suspected the plot that was forming in his 



154 AX ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

evil mind, — a plot that was destined to 
bring disaster. 

When the weather became more favor- 
able, the Santa Maria and the Nina again 
sailed to the east, and soon the island of 
Hayti loomed grandly above the horizon. 
As they apiDroached, the mariners were de- 
lighted by the almost magical beauty of 
that tropic isle of the sea. 

It was a populous land, but the natives 
fled at the approach of the ships. But at 
last some of the sailors captured an Indian 
girl. She was taken on board the Santa 
Maria, and kindly treated, and released 
with many presents. Again the hearts of 
the Spaniards beat high with hope, for the 
girl wore an ornament of gold in her nose. 

The kind treatment of the girl had the 
intended effect, and the explorers were soon 
surrounded by thousands of gentle and gen- 
erous natives. Little gold was found, but 
they heard wondrous tales of rich mines 
farther on. So they continued their voyage 
along the northern coast. 

On the twenty- second of December, a 
large canoe full of Indians came alongside 



THE NEW WORLD. 155 

of the Santa Maria bringing a native dig- 
nitary. He announced himself a messenger 
from the great cacique, Guacanagari, at 
whose dominions the ships had now ar- 
rived. He brought as a present to the 
Admiral a belt of wampum, and a carved 
mask of wood and gold. He bore, also, an 
invitation to Columbus to visit the cacique 
at his royal residence a little farther along 
the coast. 

Columbus accepted the invitation. Aside 
from the strange desertion of Pinzon, for- 
tune seemed about to favor the expedition. 
They had at last reached the dominions of 
a powerful cacique. Gold was becoming 
plentiful among the natives, and they will- 
ingly parted with it. But, above all, mar- 
vellous tales were told of a king in the 
mountains of the interior whose wealth was 
boundless, and whose very banners were of 
gold. His realm was called Cibao, and 
Columbus, catching at the similarity of the 
names, was assured that at last he had 
reached Cipango. 

On Christmas eve, 1492, the Santa Maria 
and the Nina were sailing along the coast 



156 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

toward the capital of the cacique, Guacana- 
gari. The night was calm, the sea was 
smooth, and no danger seemed possible. 

Late at night Columbus retired to his 
cabin. The officer of the deck, trusting in 
the quiet night, also went below. The 
helmsman, feeling drowsy, presently called 
one of the ship-boys to take the tiller, and 
he, too, lay down to sleep. The boy nodded 
at his post. 

Perrito was lying at the cabin door as 
usual, while Felix had wrapped himself in 
his cloak and was asleep on the lee side of 
the deck, as was his custom on pleasant 
nights. 

A man crept stealthily from the forecastle 
and stole aft in the deepest shadows. He 
paused amidships and bent down to ex- 
amine a sleeping figure on the deck. It 
was Felix, with his crossbow beside him. 
The man shook his fist at the unconscious 
boy, but did not then disturb him. He 
turned away and approached the drowsy 
lad at the helm. 

"Here, boy, sleep awhile. I'll steer," 
he whispered hoarsely. The lad looked up 



THE NEW WORLD. 157 

and recognized the contrabandista. But he 
was very wilhng to be reheved. He gave 
up the tiller and was soon snoring on the 
deck. 

The contrabandista did some singular 
steering. It was not long before he heard 
the dull roar of breakers, and saw them 
flashing white in the gloom dead ahead. 
His wicked eyes glared like those of a cat 
in the dark. 

Suddenly he stepped forward and kicked 
the sleeping ship-boy. 

"Get up and take the helm, you young 
cub ; it's my turn to snooze," he growled. 

The boy, startled out of a sound sleep, 
rose, half awake, and took the tiller. The 
contrabandista hurried forward in the dark- 
ness. Bending over Felix, who still lay in 
a profound slumber, he suddenly Hfted him 
and flung him over the rail into the sea. 
Then he darted forward into the forecastle. 

A moment after, the ship struck heavily 
and trembled, from bow to stern. The 
breakers roared hoarsely around her. The 
affrighted boy at the helm screamed an 
alarm. Then the deck was crowded with 



158 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

the dark figures of the terrified crew. They 
rushed about in a wild panic. Frenzied 
shouts and orders mingled in the dreadful 
tumult. Again the sea raised the doomed 
ship, and again she crashed on the sands. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



was drawing 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 

It was a sudden and disagreeable awaken- 
ing for Felix, to find himself tossing among 
the breakers. He was entangled in his 
cloak, and in imminent danger of drown- 
ing. But just as he began to grow faint 
with exhaustion, he felt himself seized and 
supported, and real- 
that his res- 



ized 

cuer 

him away from 

the breakers into 

smoother water. 

He was half 
strangled with salt 
water, and coughed 
and gasped so des- 
perately that it was some minutes before 
he could endeavor to ascertain who the 
strong swimmer was that had saved his 
life. As he recovered, he tried to strike 
out for himself, but his companion did 
not release his firm grasp on his jacket. 




160 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

They were moving slowly through the 
water. 

"Who are you, amigo .^" asked Felix, at 
last, when he felt that he could spare a 
little breath. 

"Pablo," replied a gentle, well-known 
voice at his ear. 

"Pablo I" cried Felix, with a burst of 
gratitude, "you have saved my life ! " 

They swam on. Distant shouts and cries 
came to their ears. Felix did not realize 
their meaning. He did not know that the 
ship had gone ashore. He was still be- 
wildered. Around him was a vast waste 
of waters amid which he was lost. He 
knew not where he was nor whither he 
was going. Had he been alone, terror and 
despair would have seized him. 

"Where are we going?" he asked, pres- 
ently. 

"Going ashore," replied Pablo calmly. 

They swam on and on. Felix's heart 
began to sink. He was becoming ex- 
hausted. Could they ever reach the land ? 

Pablo marked his weakening strokes and 
his sobbing breath. His grasp tightened a 
Httle. 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 161 

"Eest, Felix, rest," he said gently. 

In a short time Felix was compelled to 
rest. Had he been alone, he must have 
sunk like a stone. But his companion bore 
him steadily on. 

At last, a dull roar sounded in his ears. 
He saw phosphorescent lights flickering 
along the crest of the breaking surf. He 
felt the strong waves carrying them in. 




And then Pablo was bearing him through 
the shallow water, and laying him down 
upon the white sand. 

Felix lay for a little while in a sort of 
stupor, while Pablo watched anxiously 
beside him. When he had recovered a 
little strength, he questioned the Indian as 
to the nature of the accident that had be- 
fallen him. 

Pablo described in vivid pantomime, and 



162 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

with what words he could command, the 
dastardly deed of the coiitrabandista. The 
Indian had been asleep on the forecastle, 
but being awakened by the noise of the 
breakers, he had sprung up just in time to 
witness the cowardly act and to leap over- 
board to the assistance of Felix. He had 
not recognized the perpetrator of the deed, 
but Felix was convinced that there was but 
one man on board the Santa Maria who 
could have done it. 

Felix was thunderstruck when Pablo 
asserted that the ship had gone ashore in 
the breakers. He could hardly believe it, 
but his mind was filled with dismal fore- 
bodings of a dire calamity. It was not for 
a long time that the probability of his own 
private loss occurred to him. But then it 
pierced him like an arrow, and a sorrowful 
cry burst from his lips. 

' ' My crossbow ! It is lost ! " 

Pablo heard and understood, but said 
nothing. They sat on the beach drearily 
waiting for morning to dawn. Felix re- 
membered that it was Christmas day, and 
was about to mention it to Pablo, when it 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 163 

occurred to him that Pablo was a heathen, 
and he felt deep pity at the thought. 

But Felix himself had few pleasant 
recollections connected with the holiday. 
The only Christmas he had ever spent that 
could be called "merry" was the one he 
had passed in Lisbon, and that was very 
merry indeed. Little did he then dream 
that in a year he would be sitting on the 
vast shore of a new world, with a wild 
Indian for a companion. 

The weather was mild, so that in spite of 
his drenched clothing, Felix did not suffer. 
As for Pablo, the water vanished from his 
copper skin like quicksilver. 

The night wore on. Felix fell asleep and 
dreamed that he was again in Vascona's 
splendid house at Lisbon. The brilliant halls 
were crowded with Christmas revellers, and 
he heard music, and laughter, and the 
rhythmic tap of dancing feet. Suddenly he 
awoke and started up. The glorious dawn 
was breaking. Pablo sat silent beside him. 
He held the crossbow in his hand. 

"Pablo!" cried Felix, "where did you 
find my crossbow ? " 



164 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"Ship," replied Pablo, with a wave of 
his hand seaward. 

Felix looked, and, with a sharp pang of 
grief, saw the Santa Maria a long way out, 
dismantled and lying on her side on a sand 
bar, with the waves breaking against her. 

"Was the crossbow on the ship ? " 

"Yes." 

" How did you get it ? " 

"Swim," replied Pablo gently. 

"Is there any one on the ship ? " 

"No. All gone. Nina,''' answered 
Pablo. 

" Good boy, Pablo ! " cried Felix, seizing 
his crossbow with one hand, and slapping 
his companion on the back with the other. 
' ' You've saved my crossbow and me. If 
there are any biscuits and honey left on 
the Niiia, you'll get them — all you can 
eat ! " 

Pablo smiled joyously. 

In a little while a boat was seen approach- 
ing from the Nina. It soon reached the 
shore, and two men landed. Felix and 
Pablo hastened to meet them. They proved 
to be Diego de Arana, the judge of the 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 165 

fleet, and Pedro Gutierrez, the king's butler. 
They stared at Fehx with astonishment. 

" Art thou a ghost ? " said Arana. " We 
had all given thee up for dead. The Ad- 
miral is sorely grieved." 

" How did you get ashore?" asked Gu- 
tierrez. 

' ' I fell into the sea, and Pablo saved my 
life and brought me ashore," replied Felix. 

"Ah," said Arana dubiously, "I doubt 
the virtue of having one's life saved by a 
heathen. Methinks it were better to sink. 
Yes, that would be my decision. It were 
better to sink." 

"Seilor," returned Felix gravely, "be- 
fore making your decision, pray allow your- 
self to be taken while asleep and thrown 
into the sea at the dead of night. Methinks 
you will find even the assistance of a 
heathen acceptable." 

"How!" cried Arana, in astonishment. 
"Were you thrown into the sea ? " 

"Yes, Seiior." 

"Who committed such a heinous crime ? " 

" My suspicions lack proof, Senor." 

"This shall be investigated. I, too, have 



166 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

suspicions. Let the guilty man beware 
should I secure proof, also. We are going to 
the cacique, Guacanagari, to inform him of 
the disaster. You may accompany us if 
you wish. This Indian, though a heathen, 
may be useful as an interpreter." 

After a brisk walk, they reached the capi- 
tal town of the cacique, built among lovely 
groves. Their approach had been observed, 
and Guacanagari himself came forth to 
meet them, surrounded by many of his 
officers. He was a man of frank and in- 
genuous countenance, and majestic yet 
gentle manners. He was attired in a cotton 
robe, and wore on his head a heavy coronet 
of gold from which arose brilliant plumes 
of parrot's feathers. 

His delight at meeting the white men 
was changed to genuine sorrow when he 
learned of the disaster to the Santa Maria. 
The tears rolled down his cheeks as he tried 
to express his grief. 

He turned and gave orders to his officers, 
and soon a thousand Indians were hurrying 
to the beach and embarking in canoes to go 
to the assistance of Columbus. 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 



167 



Felix and Pablo accompanied Arana and 
Gutierrez on board the Nifla, and the Ad- 
miral received Felix with a joy that testified 
how deep had been his sorrow at his sup- 
posed loss. 

The cacique soon followed to symjDathize 
with and comfort Columbus, and to oversee 




the work of unloading the wreck. So faith- 
fully did the Indians prosecute the work, 
that in a short time the cargo and arms 
and stores were landed. And so great was 
the honesty of these heathen, whom Arana 



168 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

scorned, that nothing was misappropriated 
or stolen. 

A day or two afterward, Columbus visited 
the cacique at his town, accompanied by a 
large number of his officers and men. Felix 
and Pablo were with the party. After a 
dinner at the house of Guacanagari, the 
visitors witnessed a great celebration in a 
neighboring grove, where a thousand In- 
dians danced to the music of drums and 
castanets while they chanted wild native 
songs. 

Columbus returned this peaceful enter- 
tainment by displaying the warlike skill of 
his men with crossbow, sword, and arque- 
buse. Felix was called forth and shot 
arrows into a tree at a great distance, to 
tne wonder and admiration of the Indians. 
Finally one of the cannon of the Santa 
Maria that had been brought ashore was 
fired, and the stunning report changed the 
wonder of the natives to terror. 

Columbus now resolved to build a fort 
near the town of the friendly Guacanagari, 
and leave a colony there. The wreck of 
the Santa Maria was broken up and the 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 169 

timbers brought ashore to be used in con- 
structing the fortress. 

The sailors worked with a will, for many 
of them were anxious to remain on the 
island where gold seemed to be plentiful, 
and where they could lead indolent lives, 
quite different from their existence on board 
ship. 

There was one miserable man on the 
Nina whose fierce passions were excited by 
the tidings of this proposed colony. It was 
the contraband ista. He had again been 
put in chains at the instance of Arana, who 
suspected him of throwing Felix overboard, 
although he had as yet no proof. The ship- 
boy had not dared to tell what he knew. 
The contrabandist a knew that it was idle 
for him to hope to be left as one of the col- 
onists, yet that v/as what he ardently de- 
sired. So he raged in his chains like a wild 
beast. The knowledge that Felix had es- 
caped, increased his fury. 

In a short time the fort was finished, and 
cannon mounted for its defence. Thirty- 
nine men were chosen to remain as colo- 
nists, and were solemnly charged to treat 



170 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

the Indians with kindness and justice, and 
to collect all the gold they could. Perhaps 
all this was too much to expect of ordinary 
mortals. At any rate, they seem to have 
made a dismal failure of it. 

When all was ready, Columbus took af- 
fectionate leave of the friendly cacique and 
his generous people, and of the comrades 
he was about to leave behind, and the Nina 
set sail and departed. 

Hardly had she got well to sea, when the 
contrabandista^s chains were found, but 
they no longer held that ruffian in their 
cold embrace. He had been liberated by 
some confederate, and had swum ashore to 
join the colony. 

He jumjDed from the frying-pan into the 
fire, for the officer left in command of the 
colony was Diego de Arana himself. If 
that severe judge failed to hang him at 
once, the contrahandista certainly shared 
the fate of the whole party, for before Co- 
lumbus's return, every man was massacred. 
By their own wicked conduct they had 
brought upon themselves the just ven- 
geance of the Indians. 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 171 

As the Nina was bounding along with all 
sails set, Felix came upon Pablo seated 
upon a coil of rope in an attitude of deep 
dejection, and gazing mournfully over the 
blue water. 

"What is the matter, Pablo ? " he asked. 

" Guanahani," murmured Pablo, looking 
up. 

"Oh, your island, — your home ? " 

"Yes, Guanahani." 

' ' What about it ? Do you want to go 
back there ? " 

"Yes, — go back," said Pablo eagerly. 

' ' What ! Are you homesick ? " 

' ' Want Guanahani, " was the plaintive 
reply. 

' ' But we're going to Spain, now, — to 
my country. It's the greatest country in 
the world. You'll see great things. Perhaps 
you'll see the king and queen, — and so 
will I," cried Felix, swelling with impor- 
tance at the thought. 

" Guanahani," sighed poor Pablo. 

' ' But we'll come back again, you know, " 
continued Felix. ' ' Then you can see Gua- 
nahani, Pablo." 



172 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

"When he comprehended that idea, Pablo 
brightened perceptibly, and Felix made 
haste further to comfort him with biscuits 
and honey. 

Two days after leaving the colony, they 
feU in with the Pinia. In spite of the 
inexcusable desertion of her commander, it 
was a joyful meeting, and the two ships 
prepared for the long voyage back to Spain. 
Pinzon had achieved nothing more glorious 
than cruising along the coast and trading 
with the Indians. 

In a few days they entered a deep inlet 
of the sea on the island of Hayti. Here the 
Spaniards found a fierce and warlike tribe 
of Indians armed with bows and arrows, 
war-clubs, and javelins. 

It was at this place that Felix performed 
a feat that made him famous among the 
sailors. He accompanied a party of well- 
armed men who were sent ashore to trade 
with the savages. They were met by a 
large band of Indians fully armed and 
hideously painted. While the sailors were 
endeavoring to purchase some of their bows 
and arrows, the Indians seemed to become 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 173 

suspicious and threatened an attack. The 
Spaniards instantly set upon them, wounded 
two, and put the rest to flight. 

Fehx at the time had his crossbow in 
hand, and was trying to purchase a bow 
from a gigantic savage of ferocious aspect. 
The trade seemed difficult, as the Indian 
persisted in demanding the crossbow in 
exchange. 

When the hostile demonstration was 
made, the huge savage snatched the cross- 
bow from Felix and made off with it at a 
swift pace. The other Indians were al- 
ready running through the woods, and the 
commander of the Spaniards checked the 
pursuit of his men and drew them back to 
the boat. All obeyed but Felix, who ran 
fiercely on far into the forest in pursuit of 
the savage who had taken his crossbow. In 
vain his comrades shouted to him to return. 

The big Indian ran for some distance and 
then halted among the dense thickets to 
admire his prize. While he was thus 
pleasantly engaged, Felix burst upon him 
furiously and snatched the weapon from his 
hands, with loud and angry words. 



174 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

The red giant looked down upon the slen- 
der white boy with amazement, and then 
burst into a load laugh, while Felix 
promptly retreated, and soon met his com- 
panions hastily advancing to his rescue. 

The next day the Indians returned in 
great numbers. But they exhibited a very 
friendly spirit, and their chief gave Colum- 
bus the wampum belt of peace, and his own 
coronet of gold. 

Soon afterward the shijDS set sail for 
Spain. The return voyage was very severe. 
Dreadful storms arose, and for many days 
they were scourged by fierce winds, and 
tossed upon gigantic billows, in imminent 
danger of shipwreck. 

The poor Indians whom Columbus was 
taking to Spain were terrified beyond 
measure. Several of them fell sick. Among 
these was poor Pablo. Felix remained be- 
side him almost constantly, striving to alle- 
viate his distress. But the poor Indian was 
like a plant plucked from its native soil and 
slowly withering. He forgot the strange 
words that he had learned from Felix. He 
turned away from the biscuits and sweet 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN, 175 

honey that he had hked so well. They 
could not tempt him now. He lay with 
mournful, piteous eyes, and the only moan 
that broke from his lips was the name, 
"Guanahani." 

One dreadful night of howling storm, 
Felix sat beside Pablo, holding his thin 
hand and sadly watching his face as the 
dim lamp swung to and fro. Suddenly the 
Indian started and sat up. His head was 
bent eagerly forward. A look of intense 
delight came over his face. His eyes were 
bright and glad ; they seemed to be gazing 
on scenes far away. 

" GnanaJmni ! ''^ he cried joyfully. 

Then his muscles relaxed, — the light 
faded from his eyes, — he fell back dead. 

Soon the rude sailors came and bore away 
the body, and threw it into the roaring sea. 
It was a sad fate for the poor barbarian, 
torn from his peaceful island, and Felix 
shed many tears for him. Yet it was bet- 
ter than that of thousands of his unfortunate 
countrymen who afterward wore out their 
lives in hopeless slavery. 

Storm after storm shattered the unhappy 



176 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

ships. The Pinta disappeared in the 
tempest, and it was feared that she had 
sunk. Columbus, fearing that any day 
might see the Nina engulfed in the depths 
of the angry ocean, wrote an account of his 
discoveries, enclosed it in a barrel, and 
threw it into the sea, so that if his ships 
were lost, the world might yet hear the 
result of his voyage. 

After stopping at one of the Azores, and 
being very treacherously treated by the 
Portuguese governor, who had received 
orders to detain Columbus should he touch 
there, the Nina again set sail. 

And again furious storms assailed the 
weather-beaten ship. At last, sighting 
land at the mouth of the Tagus on the 
fourth of March, they were forced to run 
in for shelter, into the lion's mouth, as it 
were. 

The news of Columbus's arrival and of his 
great discovery soon spread, and many dis- 
tinguished visitors came on board the Nina 
to hear accounts of the voyage and see the 
strange copper- colored men from the Indies. 

Felix was now among familiar scenes, 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 177 

and he often thought of Vascona. He 
watched, a httle apprehensively, each boat 
that arrived, fearing lest the cavalier might 
take advantage of their feeble condition 
to commit some act of revenge. But Vas- 
cona did not appear. 

In a few days a dignitary arrived bearing 
an invitation from the king of Portugal for 
Columbus to visit him at Court. Although 
Columbus distrusted the king, yet he 
deemed it best to accept the invitation. 
Several of his officers were to accompany 
him, and Columbus kindly gave Felix per- 
mission to go. For once Felix would have 
preferred to remain on board the ship, but, 
fearing to be thought cowardly, he said 
nothing, and went with the party. 

Everything needed for their journey was 
magnificently provided, and they soon ar- 
rived at Court. The king received them 
graciously, and entertained them with fine 
hospitality. Columbus described his voyage, 
and though the king's envy and mortifica- 
tion were evident, yet he listened with 
intense interest and close attention. 

One day, as Felix was at an assembly in 



178 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

one of the halls of the palace, a hand was 
laid on his shoulder. He turned, and saw 
Vascoiia. The cavalier looked very grave. 

" Felix," he said, "I did not think to see 
thee here. Didst thou accompany Colum- 
bus on his voyage ? " 

"Yes, Senor." 

"Where didst thou join him ? " 

"At the island of Gomera." 

' ' I heard of thee there. Didst thou warn 
him of my expedition ? " 

"Yes, Senor." 

"I admire thy candor and courage," said 
Vascofia. ' ' But didst thou not act treach- 
erously ? Is that the way thou repay est 
one who saved thy life V " 

" I remember all your kindness," replied 
Felix, ' ' But saving my life did not make 
me your slave. I am still free to serve my 
friends and my country." 

"Let it pass," said Vascoiia, smiling, 
' ' I was only trying thee. I hold thee 
under no obligations for running away 
with thee. I well believe that thou wouldst 
sooner lose thy life than thy freedom. 
But now that thou hast finished thy voy- 



THE RETURN TO SPAIX. 179 

age, wilt thou not come to live with me 
again ? Everything thou mayst wish for 
shall be thine. Stay with me, Felix." 

" I thank you very much, Senor," replied 
Felix gently. " But I would rather serve 
my own country." 

Vascona now led him to a private apart- 
ment, and asked him many questions about 
the voyage, which Felix answered as well 
as he could. At last the cavalier said, seri- 
ously, — 

' ' Felix, I esteem thee highly, and I will 
give thee a warning concerning thy master. 
Bid him leave this Court as soon as possible. 
Warn him to engage in no controversy with 
any one here. There is a despicable plot 
among some of the jealous courtiers to as- 
sassinate him, and so, if possible, rob him 
of his well-earned honors." 

Felix was greatly startled by this, and 
when he had left Vascona he lost no time 
in warning Columbus. 

The next day they left the Court, with 
great honors, and returned to the ship. 
Nothing more was heard of the plot of as- 
sassination, but it was afterward discovered 



180 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

that Vascona had reason for the warning 
he gave. Such a plot really existed. 

On the thirteenth of March the Nina 
again put to sea, and on the fifteenth, 
about noon, entered the harbor of Palos in 
triumph. 

The reception of Columbus and his men 
may be imagined, — how the bells rung out 
a joyful peal, and the excited multitude 
hurried to the landing to greet the daring 
mariners,, returned from an unknown 
bourne as from the dead. 

In the evening the joy was made com- 
plete by the arrival of the Pi7ita, which had 
been driven north by the storm into the 
bay of Biscay. 

When Felix landed with Columbus, the 
first persons they met were Father Juan 
Perez, the physician, Garcia Fernandez, 
Tortosa, and Diego, who was visiting La 
Kabida. There was a most joyful greet- 
ing. 

' ' Vv'elcome, Felix ! " cried Diego, throw- 
ing his arms about his friend. " Has my 
father found heaven, and .brought you 
back?" 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 181 

' ' Felix ! I never thought to see thee 
again," cried Tortosa, the tears running 
down his wrinkled face. 

u Perrito ! good Perrito ! " laughed Diego, 
as the faithful dog leaped uj^on him. "I 
told thee to find Felix, and thou hast done 
thy duty, old fellow ! " 

At that moment another familiar voice 
was heard, and the physician, Garcia Fer- 
nandez, took Felix by the shoulder. 

"Well, young man, have you just got 
back ? I shall be careful next time whom 
I send to La Eabida with a letter, promising 
to pay for his time till he comes back. 
Never mind, you've been well employed, 
I hear. I have just paid Ignacio Diaz for 
three months of your time. He has not 
pined away grieving for you, Felix. We'll 
make another arrangement, I think. I do 
not believe you were born to be a tailor. " 
And the good doctor laughed and grew 
red in the face. 

"Felix ! my dear Felix ! " cried a husky 
voice, and Ignacio Diaz himself shambled 
out of the noisy crowd and tried to embrace 
his apprentice. "Thou hast been to the 



182 AN ARCHER WITH COLUMBUS. 

Indies, they say. Tell me, hast thou thy 
pockets full of precious stones ? Is the ship 
laden with gold ? " And the tailor's eyes 
bulged out eagerly. 

Felix laughed, and thrust his hands in 
his pockets, which were full of odd curiosities. 
He drew out a small object. It was one of 
the curious roots that he had found in Cuba. 

" Here is something I picked up in the 
Indies," he said, and held it out to Ignacio 
Diaz. The tailor snatched it hastily. It 
was merely a roundish root or tuber, with 
a smooth skin in which were numerous 
slight indentations. He gazed at it a mo- 
ment, touched it with his tongue and 
rubbed it on his sleeve, and then threw it 
down angrily. 

Tortosa picked it up, and it was exam- 
ined curiously, while they all laughed at 
the tailor's disappointment. But none of 
them knew that it was really a great treas- 
ure, — the humble 2^otato. 

Felix and Diego accompanied Columbus 
to Barcelona, where the sovereigns gave 
the discoverer of the New World a truly 
royal reception as " Admiral of the Ocean 



THE RETURN TO SPAIN. 183 

sea, and Viceroy and Governor of the 
islands discovered in tlie Indies." 

Felix remained in the service of Colum- 
bus until the latter's death. He became an 
honored companion of Diego when he suc- 
ceeded to his father's honors. 

In 1519, he was one of the most trusted 
captains of Cortez in his invasion of Mex- 
ico, and fought in many of the battles of 
the Conquest. 

He remained in the New World that he 
had helped to discover and conquer, holding 
positions of high honor, and distinguished 
above his military compeers for justice and 
mercy. He died in the City of Mexico, aged 
saventy years. 




